Top Back Pain Tip from the Arthritis Lady
Mom and me at Kansas City International Airport
Last week Mom and I had to take an unexpected trip to Kansas. My aunt was in the hospital, in ICU. Mom and I were worried, so we trekked on out there.
I’m the arthritis lady that has to take a special trip to the doctor’s office so I can make it through an airplane and car trip. I have to schedule walks down the airplane aisle to keep my legs from going crippled.
Good news: My aunt DID get moved out of ICU, and we got to visit with her. Even in hard times, Aunt Linda’s sharp wit can save a dire situation. She’s funny when she tries to be. She’s even funny when she’s not trying to be. I hope I have that much grace when I’m in a situation like that.
Bad news: She has a long recovery ahead and will be in the hospital for a while yet, and she’s only in her 50s. Hospital stays are miserable.
Other good news: I got to see my cousin Amber, who I grew up playing with, so this was a big deal.
Mom, me, and Amber, taking a lunch break at Panera.
Other bad news: Amber’s back is maybe even more messed up than mine is. We have this family arthritis problem. We could have done without that part of the inheritance, Granny…
So Amber and I were both popping NSAIDs and muscle relaxers and spraying each other with BioFreeze. And by the way, we are still young. We are trying not to think about how much worse this could get!
Nothing was working too well. In fact, as annoying as it is, do you know what seems to help me the most??
Physical therapy exercises. I started them in 2010 when my chiropractor assigned me strengthening and stretching exercises, and I was hurting so much that I actually did them out of pure desperation.
I did them faithfully until I started feeling better. Ever since, I’ve had the hardest time getting back in the habit. I need my own personal physical therapist in my living room.
So I found this YouTube channel that is PERFECT. Actually, it’s more than a YouTube channel. It’s a whole website. I wrote all about it over at Monterey Premier. Check it out here.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –Jesus, in John 16:33
You were in my neighborhood! God bless you and your family!
I didn’t know you live up there!
Maybe the fact that you’re young and doing so much to help yourself will make it better when you’re older, while the rest of us get worse. I really hope for relief for you! (and Amber) (and your Aunt!)
And oh my – your mom. She looks lovely!
Thanks April. Running is top notch, and “doing it for my heart” is one of the main reasons I do run. Been difficult running the last 2 months because it has been a tough winter, but the days are getting longer and we had some above freezing days this past weekend. Spring is coming. 🙂
Am always so amazed with your positivity despite the chronic that you endure. We are similar in that we have gotten some physical inheritances from our grandparents. On my dad’s side of the family we all inherited atherosclerosis (which my dad died of at 47). In what is completely opposite with yourself there is no pain whatsoever, and can be so easy to let my exercises and diet to slip. It is only when I check my blood pressure and see it is going “through the roof” that I realize I need to smarten up.
I really commend you April for doing these stretching and strengthening exercises. With the family to care for this would take a lot of discipline. Praying through this you will be able to keep on top of it.
Wonderful to hear your aunt is recovering and that you were able to spend time with cousin Amber.
God bless you!
Atherosclerosis sounds scary indeed! And I remember reading the story of your dad’s sudden passing at such a young age. Soo so sad! I hope that running counts as a helpful exercise for that since you are so good about it. Now you were so kind in your comments I feel a touch guilty because I totally haven’t done my exercises today! The shame. Thank you for your kind words as always! God bless you too!