Hello fellow arthritics

Hi Marybeth,
You are doing the right things now by working on strength and weight loss. When I was told I needed a hip replacement, I read everything I could find on the subject. I also joined a site called Bonesmart/org and the folks there have a really good forum with a library full of very good information. The people were great and helped me through my very long waiting period and then offered alot of support afterwards.

I also joined the team here for hip and knee replacements and being new, I haven't made alot of connections there yet, but am working on it. I'm sure you will find lots of folks there who will help also.

I love my new hip and the mobility it gave me back. I was slowly going downhill and was at the point of having to use a walker to shop. Afterwards, I used my walker outdoors in the park to get going on walking once again.. I looked quite the site pushing my walker on the trails, but I was determined to walk all my favourite trails and I did.. by week 8, I was carrying my cane with me, but not using it much.. just on the rougher patches of ground. I was fortunate to have found a good deal on a really sturdy outdoor walker..

You will do fine, keep your attitude positive and if you have any specific questions or need extra support, send me a private message and I'll be happy to help.

Hello Thomasina,
I am scheduled for a hip replacement on February 25th. I am not in as great shape as you are since I am much overweight. However, I have been working with a fitness trainer and gaining a lot of muscle strength. Let me know if there is any helpful advice for this procedure.
Thanks.

good for you! sounds like you are going great. keep up the good work
.

Hi,
I'm 57 and have lived with osteo and fibromyalgia for many years. I have osteo pretty bad in my fingers and a few area's of my spine. I had a hip replacement 2 years ago and regained mobility and am doing really well now. I even took up cycling this summer and love it.

I use exercise to help ease my pain and when it's really bad I do take celebrex. Keeping my weight down has been key for me. When I developed hip osteo I was shocked as I had been walking daily for years and was not overweight. The Dr. just said it happens and couldn't really give me any reason for a rapid onset.

I discovered Sparkpeople 3 weeks ago when I was searching for stationary bike programs and was really impressed with the site. Even though I was active, I just couldn't lose those last few pounds and I was blaming my fibromyalgia meds! I started using the food tracker and discovered that even though I was eating healthy, my portions were way to large. I was amazed to drop 5 lbs the first 2 weeks, just by eating the suggested calorie range for my size. I've never been able to do this before. So, I am sold on Sparkpeople and will be here to help maintain my weight. For dinners, I use the spark recipe calculator and at first it took alot of time, but now I've got most of my favourite meals in and its easy to track.

I look forward to making new friends too!!