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Author: miranda
Date: 08-18-04 17:12
I went to the orthopedist today, and the good news is that no activity I do from here on in can damage my knees any more than they are damaged now. Which leads to the bad news--thanks to early onset arthritis, I have no cartilage left under either of my kneecaps, and there is nothing much they can do about that except physical therapy, which won't produce any miracles. The orthopedist told me that nothing involving needles will help to any significant degree--I don't know if that's in the good news or the bad news category. I will probably have to have partial knee replacements on both legs, but I'm too young now (at least it's nice to be too young for something at 46).
The basic message was "any activity which bends your knees is going to be painful. Deal."
And my insurance company refused to pay for the expensive medication the doctor prescribed.
The orthopedist told me to be sure to tell my mom "thanks a lot" for the bad genes. Which I did, as soon as I got home. She tried to blame it on her father, but he's dead, so I can't berate him without paying a significant sum to a psychic.
So, I might as well try to start walking again. At least now I know it can't do any damage. Eric, I will ask the physical therapist about biking. And I will definitely be trying to do some hiking while on vacation in the Aspen, Colorado area next week--it's just too beautiful up there not to try.
But first things first--I am very bummed indeed, and (very obviously) feeling quite sorry for myself. I intend to wallow shamelessly in my own misery for a couple days. Then it's off to my family reunion/vacation, where I will have to function as a mature adult instead of moping around, or risk annoying the h*ll out of my family, who can be counted on to annoy me back. I am taking my camera--either I will have a picture of some beautiful mountain meadow, or one of me being carried down the trail by Rocky Mountain Rescue. Either one should be equally entertaining.
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miranda
230/169.5/145
"I don't need to compromise my principles, because they don't have the slightest bearing on what happens to me anyway."--Bill Watterson, "Calvin and Hobbes"
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Author: LeeV
Date: 08-18-04 18:06
Don't be too down on yourself. Things will be alright. As I always like to say - life has a way of working itself out. Sometimes we just gotta sit back and let it handle itself :)
It ~will~ take care of itself and everything will be fine, you'll see. Look how far you've come in losing all that weight. I think that's great and looking at your numbers inspires me :)
220/175/130
Began New Lifestyle June 18, 2004
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Author: joan
Date: 08-18-04 22:22
Gosh, Miranda. Sorry to hear about your knees. That is a real bummer. I do have a neighbor who had knee replacement surgery and she can outwalk and out peddle me! She moves a little slower but gets plenty of exercise.
It might not be much comfort but you at least found this out at the end of your weight loss journey instead of in the beginning. Your bad news about your knees AND needing to lose 75 pounds would have been even worse.
Enjoy your vacation. Sometimes, when I am with others, out doors in a beautiful setting I know that I can't keep up and I choose to sit, or stroll at my own pace and let them go ahead. I've enjoyed experiencing things in a quiet way that can't be done in a group. Good memories. Sort of like taking the time to "stop and smell the roses".
Joan
255/218/155
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Author: Otta-no-better
Date: 08-19-04 06:24
For a while, I took this expensive anti-inflammatory for menstral cramps. I got stingy and tried ibuprophen instead. Works just fine. I also use it if I'm stiff and sore but NEED to walk. I'm no doctor, I'm just tellin' ya what worked for me.
You can be our resident expert on low impact exercise!
Susan lost 40 lbs in 17 months
At goal, under 124 lbs since Sept. 10/04
Eat your protein, muscle is key
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Author: BFL Michelle
Date: 08-19-04 08:10
Thanks for the update Miranda. I was thinking your appt was for today.
Well, at least you can walk. Right? Elliptical machines are really, really easy on the knees. That's one of the reasons I use it. Maybe you could invest on one of those if the biking doesn't work out. Might be nice to have anyway.
Make sure you have some really good hiking shoes and go for it. I can't see you letting the situation stop you...maybe slow you down some, but stop - no, I don't think so. :)
I can't wait to see your pcitures - whichever way it goes. :) lol
139/104/104 - 5'1
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Author: Eric
Date: 08-19-04 08:13
Well, what can I say? I am so sorry to hear the news. The thought of surgery on your knees is just devastating. I was checking out those legs in your picture and PLeeeeeaaassse hold out as long as you can before letting anyone mess with those legs. That would be like vandalizing the Mona Lisa.
Seriously, I am sorry you will have to deal with that pain in the future. I know something about pain as I watched my wife give birth three times.
No, I mean I know about arthritas pain, though I must admit the missing cartilidge sounds like an adventure I could do without.
As for the expensive medication? Don't worry! I know a guy who knows a guy...Not really...I'm kidding...okay really I do know a guy but he scares me.
I really do believe you will find biking much easier on the joints than walking.
We'll get you all hooked up. You'll see. It will be fun!
So go ahead and take some wallowing time, but put a time limit on it. Then get ready for Colorado. Start humming those John Denver tunes, and we'll look forward to the pictures of Miranda being carried down the mountain by a bunch of hot young rescue guys. Even if you have no real problems you might want to consider faking it.
Eric
I intend to live forever.....So far so good!
272/ /188 1.5 lbs. this week. I dare not say till the cast comes off
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Author: simply trying
Date: 08-19-04 09:37
Doesn`t it suck that when you want to make you life a better and healthier one , life itself throws you a curve ball?
What do you do with a curve ball? You either let it affect you and take the "3 strikes you`re out approach" or you make the most of your strength and hit it out of the ballpark!
Your strength of character is not an issue so I know that once you`ve had a chance to digest this new info you will bounce back and find a way to make your life a better one ...Your goals are the same, the roadblocks harder but not impossible....You`ve been around here for quite a while and have inspired me soooooo many time...I`m pulling for you...G
5` 4 and 3/4 inches
previous weightloss from 2002- 2003
jan 2002 --198 lbs/ down to 160 lbs
start losing weight again July 19th 2004
168 lbs/ 157 lbs / 145 lbs
inches lost from may 5th to-oct 2nd 2004=15.5in
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Author: miranda
Date: 08-19-04 13:11
: )
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miranda
230/169.5/145
"I don't need to compromise my principles, because they don't have the slightest bearing on what happens to me anyway."--Bill Watterson, "Calvin and Hobbes"
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Author: miranda
Date: 08-19-04 13:33
I really, really appreciated the kind responses. I am feeling a little less sorry for myself already (just a little). LeeV, you were right about things working out for the best at least in one way--it turns out I would be allergic to the expensive medication the insurance company wouldn't let me get yesterday (the doctor said to ask the pharmacist about potential allergies, the pharmacy clerk couldn't speak English very well, so I had to find out on my own by searching the internet)--and sulfa allergies are nothing to mess with.
You all raised my spirits when I really needed it (although I still have one more day of self-pity and wallowing to go). I will come back from vacation with some sort of picture, either triumphantly posing atop a mountain pass or being escorted down said pass by several good-looking young rescuers. And then I will do my best with physical therapy; at least I'll have some knee-strengthening exercises to share.
Thanks again!
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miranda
230/169.5/145
"I don't need to compromise my principles, because they don't have the slightest bearing on what happens to me anyway."--Bill Watterson, "Calvin and Hobbes"
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