Arthritis and Exercise§

As we grow older, it becomes harder and harder to maintain an ideal body weight.  That can leave us overweight and out of shape.  The first step towards reversing that trend and regaining a well balanced healthy lifestyle is exercise.

Exercise is important because it can slow down or even reverse some of the conditions that can happen with aging.  These facts are taken from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

• Exercise and activity helps to maintain your ability to walk, which is important in maintaining your independence.
• Exercise can reduce your risk of falling by improving your balance and body posture.
• Exercise promotes bone strength and helps our bones retain more calcium.
• Exercise helps to grow muscle.  Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, so the more muscle we have, the easier it will be for us to burn calories and maintain a good body weight.  In addition, stronger muscles help to protect our joints from injury.
• Exercise is imperative for joint health!  By moving our joints, we promote the body’s natural lubrication process of our joint surfaces.  This helps to reduce joint pain.

An exercise program must be well balanced to avoid injury and maximize our outcomes.  The best programs are comprised of: aerobic conditioning, flexibility/agility exercises, strength training, and relaxation techniques.  Please consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

• Aerobic conditioning means you are constantly moving to increase your heart rate and keep it increased for a certain period of time.  Usually it is between 20 – 30 minutes a day, 3 – 4 times per week.  If you have arthritis, consider low impact activities such as swimming, water aerobics, stationary bicycle, rowing machine, or elliptical trainer.
• Flexibility/agility exercises increase our range of motion and help to improve our balance.  Yoga and Tai Chi are excellent examples of this.
• Strength training uses weights to improve muscle mass.  You can also use resistance bands.  Please consult with your physician prior to a weight program, especially if you have osteoporosis.
• Relaxation techniques are important to lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and exercise our minds, which is just as important in the big picture of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Make a plan for yourself and stick to it!  Remember to take it slow and do not get discouraged.  It may have been many years since you last exercised, so it might take a long time to get back in shape.  The first step, though, is to start and keep showing up to your workouts.  You can do it!

For more info on Orthopedic related topics, please see www.orthoinfo.org.  This site is sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

James Bicos, M.D.

Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Read Dr. Bicos' Bio

§ Portions taken from AAOS website orthoinfo.org

 The information on this website has been provided for educational and information purposes only and shall not otherwise be construed or relied on as medical advice.  Each reader is solely responsible for seeking the medical advice and/or care from his or her own physician or other provider to address the user/viewer/reader's specific medical condition and/or other health care needs.

My Loved One Has Arthritis

Our Indianapolis Arthritis Walk Vice Chair, Kate Nicholson, got engaged to Brian Johnson about a month ago.  In this blog post, she interviews Brian about finding out she has fibromyalgia, how he sees their future, and why he supports the Arthritis Foundation.

Kate & Brian Volunteering at the JBR

Kate:  Do you remember on our first date when I told you I had fibromyalgia?  What did you think when I told you?  What expectations/thoughts did you have as a result of that in our early dating time?

Brian:  I remember the night clearly and remember the exact moment as we walked down the Canal. I recall asking a lot of questions. At the time I had heard of fibromyalgia, but did not know the specifics of the condition so I just started asking questions and listened a lot.  It was evident to me that you had the condition under control and you were very proactive in not letting it control your life. The fact that you had volunteered for several fibro studies told me that you were interested in not letting your condition define you.  If anything it showed me that your ambition matched my own and you were going to live and enjoy your life regardless of fibro.

Now, was I scared a little? Of course, and I think I even brought that up to you that night.  But it occurred to me that if I was scared about it, then how must you feel in broaching the subject on a first date?  My only expectation was that I wanted you to be honest with me about fibro and you totally were from the beginning.

Kate:  Now that we are planning the rest of our lives together, and I've been diagnosed with two more arthritic conditions, what do you worry about?

Brian:  Now that I've been with you for nearly a year I have much less worry.  We've had some great conversations and it's my belief that your dogged determination will win out over any diagnosed condition. I've envisioned you saying, "Arthritis and fibro be damned, I've got stuff to do. So give me another option,  Doctor, or I'll find one myself." It's that determined attitude that keeps any past worries I ever had at bay.

Not to say that you won't want or need to hold my hand for support now and again, but I feel like we draw strength from each other and will ultimately find a way to do everything we want to do in life including having a family, finishing school, traveling, and whatever else suits our fancy.

Kate:  Let's talk about the practical side of chronic conditions. Can you describe for the readers, from your perspective, the ways that you see me taking care of myself and the things you do to help me?

Brian:  I see you taking a lot of different approaches to the various conditions you deal with daily. There are medications, but you know the medications  forwards and backwards enough to be able to discuss with your doctor about dosage and how different doses may help in the event of a flare-up. You trust your doctors, but don't rely on them to be the only authority in the room.  And, you're not afraid to fire them if they give up.  On my side I have a list of your meds just in case.  I'm no expert, but I have the information should I need it!

I also see you making an effort to stay active with regular walks as well as getting a yoga session as often as your schedule allows.  You are also willing to try new things like the TENS Unit, massage, physical therapy, or the new pain patches.   You have the same mentality when it comes to your diet.  You eat good food.  Not to say that you don't indulge, but more often than not you make choices that will benefit your conditions and then find a way to make them darn tasty! I'm also open to trying new foods and recipes, so we can be healthy together.

Kate and Brian after Brian’s first marathon 

at Disney World in January 2011

Finally, you get the rest that your body needs to do what you need to do. Again, not to say you sacrifice or are always in bed by 9 pm, but you know what it takes and endeavor to give your body what it needs. I see that you are preparing yourself to have so many options that something is going to work or a combination of things are going to work when things flare-up.

On my side of things, I support you as much as I can and don't become a barrier myself.  If you need extra sleep, then I keep quiet so you can rest.  If you need an easy weekend, then I don't complain that I wanted to go out.  There will be plenty of weekends to go out in the future! 

I also help out on the exercise component by going on walks and helping us stay active.  Since I am a long distance runner, I can at least begin to understand the muscular pain and tightness that comes with fibromyalgia. We have a roller that we both use on sore muscles and we even relax and let the other person "roll" the other's leg muscles.  I really enjoy these sessions because we get to chat for a good hour without interruption.    How many couples just sit next to each other and talk for an hour plus straight without any TV, Computer, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, Facebook, Twitter or Xbox?  

The most important thing as a partner/spouse/significant other is to try and understand what your loved one is going thru every minute of every day and not be a barrier to them yourself.

Kate:  Your last sentence really stood out to me.  You really have been amazingly supportive.  What other words of advice do you have for people who have a significant other who is surviving arthritic conditions?

Brian:  Besides not being a barrier or burden to the person who has arthritis...I know I said that already, but I thought it was worth saying again. My advice is, "Read up!" or "Get knowledgable!"  Go online, talk to YOUR doctor, find some information and be informed.  The arthritis we are talking about is NOT the same that Grandpa had at the age of 80. This is NOT just "the aches and pains of getting older." It's a chronic medical condition.

DO NOT become the "know it all," trying to tell your loved one the best way to treat their arthritis.   The information you find is so you can be prepared for what comes next, and be understanding of what your loved one is going through. As a guy, we sometimes want to try and fix the problem instead of just being there for support. This isn't the time. Go fix a lamp instead and take out the garbage while you're at it.

Kate:  Ha!  I know you meant to be funny, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you take out the trash!  Let's chat about the Arthritis Foundation for a minute.  We've attended Bone Bash.  You volunteered with me at Jingle Bell Run (and ran it!), and now you're working with me for the Arthritis Walk in June.  Why do you think it's important for families to attend these events?

Brian:  From a personal perspective, it's important because I'm not the only person on this planet and I could be diagnosed with arthritis tomorrow. I'd hate to decide that something was important AFTER I needed help for my own cause.  In three words, "pay it forward."

Kate & Brian at the 2010 Indianapolis Bone Bash

On another note, it's events like Bone Bash, The Arthritis Walk, and the Jingle Bell Run that raise money for arthritis research.  Because of that research, aspirin is no longer the primary treatment for arthritis.  If we can raise a little money and be able to manage arthritis, I say we raise a little more and see if we can make arthritis even less than a minor inconvenience.

Finally, you're my family. If this is important to you, then my place is beside you or where ever you need me to be, whether it's running a 5K, dressing up in a Bone Bash costume, handing out fliers or tweeting to my friends.  I'm there for you because that's what family members do for each other. You'd do the same for me. (Insert Friends theme song here.)

Kate:  I'm pretty certain I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have you by my side. Any other comments or thoughts for our readers?

Brian:  Only one more thing to add. On the worst day when your loved one who has arthritis is their most irritable, you've lost all patience and you want to hang it all just remember that you don't have arthritis for the rest of your life. And if you do have arthritis,  then thank your lucky stars that you have someone who understands what you're going through every minute of every day.

Advocacy Summit 2011

I participated in the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit 2011 in Washington DC. It was a great experience and I believe I made a difference. Kevin Mandrell and his wife, Annette were the other representatives from Indiana. Together we visited each of the eleven offices of the Senate and House represented by Indiana. We met with Representative Burton and then with everyone’s Legislative Directors or Assistants. Most seemed genuinely interested. As the government is undergoing drastic budget cuts right now, no one was making any commitments, but they were all receptive to continuing contact with us which was promising. Our goal was to give them information and discuss our four agenda items:

         

    

1. To join the Congressional Arthritis Caucus and continue to fight to maintain our national investment in arthritis research. As a result of our visits, 17 members of Congress have signed up as of March 4th.
2. Make Arthritis a National Priority. To help stop arthritis and add it to your national and local discussions on chronic disease. To support programs to help Americans manage arthritis and help prevent further disability. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. resulting in $128 billion dollars of medical expenses and lost earnings each year. We distributed form letters for President Obama and Secretary Sebelius for the legislators to sign and mail.
3. To support the National Institutes of Health and National  Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases as well as the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance. These agencies are making great strides in arthritis treatment and prevention and need to be supported now for cost containment and disease reduction in the future. Currently one in five Americans has arthritis and 300,000 children. In another 20 years that is projected to become one in four or 25% of Americans. According to the CDC 1 in 20 working Americans will have to change their job due to arthritis. I am one of these working Americans currently going back to school to start a new career because the one I love is too strenuous with my arthritis.
4. To urge federal investment in arthritis research through Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs at the Department of Defense. Veterans are returning from service with a 50% increased risk for arthritis. Most of them are afflicted with osteoarthritis from the wear and tear from their equipment and injuries.

The Arthritis Foundation provided an excellent training program to prepare all of the Advocates. It was great to network with others and get fresh ideas. The AF staff of Amy Melnick, Jennifer Taylor McBride, Laurie Markle and Kimberly Beer made the education fun and inspiring. The physician speakers prepared the group with the newest information on arthritis developments and treatments to present to the congressmen. I look forward to next year’s program and to my continuing efforts this year with my legislators.

- Treva

Read Treva's Bio

Meet James Bicos, M.D. Our Medical Blogger!

Name: James Bicos, M.D.

Hometown: Addison, IL (suburbs of Chicago); currently lives in Carmel, IN

Profession/Practice: Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Surgeon with St. Vincent Orthopedics/St. Vincent Sports Medicine

How has arthritis affected your life or how do you help people with arthritis:  I help people with arthritis every day. That makes up 90% of my practice. Since I am on the sports medicine side and see young athletes, I feel that I have an extra incentive (and duty) to keep them healthy and prevent arthritis from taking over their joints.

How long and in what capacity have you been connected to the Arthritis Foundation:  I have been associated with the Arthritis Foundation for the past year, donating to the Research Advocate campaign. I have also represented St. Vincent at the 2010 Evening of Appreciation when St. Vincent was recognized for becoming the first every Indiana Friend of the Foundation.

Why do you (volunteer, donate, work, etc.) with Arthritis Foundation:  Being an Orthopedic Surgeon, arthritis is part of my job every day. I have a motto that “I am stomping out arthritis, one joint at a time!”

A little about you: Dr. Bicos is a member of St. Vincent Orthopedics and the St. Vincent Performance Center. He concentrates his practice on the specialized needs of athletes of all ages. He has received extensive training in cartilage restoration, shoulder replacement surgery, complex shoulder arthroscopy (including rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations and multi-directional instability), knee ligament reconstruction, and patellofemoral instability. He is currently the team physician for Park Tudor High School and University High School. He is a consulting physician for our USA Gymnastics, USA Track and Field, and USA Diving teams. He has been the head team physician for the USA Men’s and Women’s Worlds Gymnastics Championship Teams for the past two years, representing the United States in London and the Netherlands. He has also served the United States Olympic Committee as a Medical Volunteer at the training camp in Colorado Springs, CO. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and chapters, and has multiple ongoing clinical and biomechanical research initiatives.

Dr. Bicos earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. He attended Rush Medical College (Chicago, IL) where he earned his medical degree, and then completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He then went on to sub-specialize in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, completing a fellowship at the University of Connecticut, and now is a member of St. Vincent Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Dr. Bicos is a native of the Mid-West region, having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago. He is married and has two children. He enjoys playing golf and remote controlled model aviation, in addition to spending time with his family and friends.

What you will be blogging about: Dr. Bicos will be providing general health information related to arthritis and orthopedics. 

If you have a question you would like Dr. Bicos to answer you can comment on this blog or email Kendall Rich Horvatich, Special Events Coordinator for the Arthritis Foundation, at krich@arthritis.org.

Things I Took for Granted Before Arthritis

When I tell people I have Systemic JUVENILE Rheumatoid Arthritis, I often get a quizzical look. That's right, people think, "Hey, lady, you're 27-years-old. There's not much juvenile about you." And while this is true, my diagnosis at age 17 gives me the unique experience of being diagnosed as a "child" but living with the disease as an adult. 

I was incredibly lucky to make it through my adolescence relatively unscathed. I was healthy and happy for my childhood and many of my teen years. I was able to complete my physical education classes without needing accommodations. I was able to write my English paper rough drafts while gripping a pen in my hand. I was able to open jars of paint in art class without having to ask for help. All of this makes me incredibly lucky. 

There are so many things I took for granted before my JRA diagnosis. Here, in no particular order, is a list of things I took for granted while I wasn't flaring: 

The bottom of socks. That's right, just the bottoms. When my first major flare happened, I could barely walk, so I would shuffle around my house. While doing this, I managed to wear out the bottoms of almost every pair of socks I owned. Truth.

The ability to brush my teeth by myself. Have you ever tried to open a tube of toothpaste during an arthritis flare? You can barely grip a handrail, let alone something small like a toothpaste cap. 

Being medication free. I miss the days where I woke up and was able to drink water without having to choke down a bunch of pills with it.

Bending. Bending anything. Bending at the waist to pick things up, bending my elbows to put a coat on, bending my fingers just because I want to...

Buttoning pants. This is interchangeable with buttoning tops, pulling zippers up and down, and generally putting on any clothes that require movement. 

Things not popping. All of the sudden, I can pop anything... neck, toes, jaw, fingers, hips, etc. It's a fun party trick but it gets rather annoying when you roll over at night and everything crackles. 

My appetite. At one point, I was dropping weight in a hurry, and not on purpose. My diet turned into consisting of solely Slim Fast Shakes mixed with a ton of highly caloric full fat ice cream. Vitamins, minerals, calories, and fat. Actually... that sounds pretty good right about now... 

- Angela

 Read Angela's Bio 

Yoga: My Best Fibro-Friend

Just over three years ago, I went to my doctor’s office with one question:  How do I get off some of these drugs?  I mean, I felt reasonable, but I always had that drug hang-over feeling.  In addition, I was finding exercise a challenge.  I danced from the time I was three and stopped once the fibro symptoms first really started to show.  It was so frustrating.  I could barely make it around the block.

My doctor said, “You have my permission to try anything you want.  Fibro is ever changing and we won’t know what works for you until you try it out.”  He did warn me–no weird supplements, herbs, etc. without first consulting him.  But, massage, reiki, different types of exercise were all on the table.

I instantly thought of pilates and yoga…mostly because they were so similiar to dance.  I bought my first yoga DVD, and my journey began.  At first, I used books and videos.  Then, I moved into a regular class and private sessions.  Before I knew it, I had an entire yoga room in my house.

Yoga is magic to me.  Here’s the coolest thing about it:  yoga comes to you, you don’t go to it.  What does that mean?  You don’t have to be a pretzel to get the benefits of yoga. You get to just be you–fibro fog, IBS, fatigue included.

There are many styles of yoga available, but I highly recommend the Iyengar style for those who have fibromyalgia and arthritis.  Iyengar  allows you to use props, and lots of them.  Can’t make it into a downward facing dog?  No problem!  Use the wall to prop your heels on.  Or use a pillow to rest your head.  Having a super stiff day?  Just do poses on the floor instead of standing.  Tender points in your hips giving you trouble?  Select poses that give you a gentle stretch.  Foggy?  Use poses that allow your head to rest. Genius! 

No matter where fibro takes me, yoga is aways there to soothe my muscles, give my mind a chance to forget the pain, and surrender to the peace of knowing that I’m caring for myself.  Yoga maintains me so the flare ups don’t come as often, it’s a remedy when pain first starts to emerge, and it’s a way out of the dreaded flare up.  Yoga is my best fibro-friend, always comforting and supporting me, no matter where I am.

With a regular practice, I have been able to reduce all of my medications in half and have not had to add any more.  I have more energy, fewer flare ups, and more strength than I’ve had in years.  And dance?  Yes!  I started teaching again this summer.

Interested in trying out yoga?  Here are my suggestions:

1.  Clear it with your physician.

2.  Learn about fibro-friendly yoga.  Here are my suggestions:

These two books are my favorites.  Both show lots of modifications!

·       Yoga for Arthritis:  The Complete Guide by Lauren Fishman (http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Arthritis-Complete-Loren-Fishman/dp/0393330583/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281640873&sr=1-2)

·       BKS Iyengar Yoga:  The Path to Holistic Health by BKS Iyengar  (http://www.amazon.com/B-K-S-Iyengar-Yoga-Holistic-Health/dp/1405322357/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281640960&sr=1-2)

This is my favorite website.  A subscription is $10 a month and you get unlimited yoga videos.  Start with practices labeled ‘restorative,’ that means easier, relaxing, and slower paced.

·       My Yoga Online:  http://www.myyogaonline.com/

3.  Get some props so that you’re comfortable and don’t overdo it.  I suggest:

·       Blankets

·       Pillows

·       Books or blocks

·       A strap or belt

·       Yoga mat

·       Open wall space

·       A chair

You can purchase these things on www.amazon.com or a speciality site like http://www.huggermugger.com/.  You can even purchase things at a discount store.  But, you don’t have to!  Look around the house to see what you can use.  If you like it, then consider making a purchase.

4. Most people start with a home practice.  However, nothing takes the place of a good yoga instructor!  Look for an Iyengar studio and a teacher who understands fibro. Try starting here:  http://www.iynaus.org/.

Want to know more about Iyengar?  Try this site: http://www.bksiyengar.com/

Together, we can overcome. 

Kate

Read Kate's Bio

Together, We Can Overcome

Whenever I drive past Steak ‘n Shake, I am reminded of a dear gentleman I had the privilege of spending time with several years ago. Before coming to IUPUI, I worked at the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana. In my last few months there, I had a series of events featuring an unusual national speaker–retired psychologist Richard Taylor, PhD. At the time, Richard was in his early 60′s and had been diagnosed with dementia, probably of the Alzheimer’s type a few years earlier at 58. He knew what the diagnosis meant, but resolved that for as long as he possibly could, he would speak up about Alzheimer’s and advocate for those with the disease.

Richard Taylor and Family

In our first emails coordinating the week-long visit and tour of Indiana, he pushed me to add more and more events to the schedule. He wanted to reach out to every person he could every moment he was here. There was a true sense of urgency to inspire others to act on behalf of those with the disease, caregivers and professionals who give their hearts to help. But there was one caveat:  we had to go to Steak n Shake. Living in Texas, but having grown up in Indiana, he was determined he had to eat at Steak n Shake at least once more while he still could.

During his visit, I watched over him like an overbearing mother as we traveled throughout state. His memory was still fairly intact, but I knew all too well what can happen with this disease. Still, I could not keep up with him! Even while dealing with the unpleasant symptoms of Alzheimer’s, his desire, motivation and energy never failed. One night, I called the hotel lobby because I couldn’t reach him. Every staff person I talked to at the hotel knew all about the disease, how to help those with the disease, and how to advocate because of Richard (turned out he was in the pool counseling a young couple that just had a parent diagnosed). Yes, even the housekeeping staff knew how to advocate for Alzheimer’s. Richard was fearless, but always compassionate, understanding, and appreciative of his time.

When we finally made it to Steak ‘n Shake, he took every bite with extreme gratitude. This simple pleasure meant so much to him, knowing that one day, he would forget growing up in Indiana, Steak ‘n Shake, and even how to eat a hamburger. This was a true example of living in the moment.

Richard sent me a lovely thank you email when he returned to Texas. I keep a piece of it at my desk to remember the power of one person. He wrote, “Stand up! Speak up! Do not become a victim of your own silence! Speak for yourself and those who will follow. Ask carers and friends to do the same. Today will never be here again. Time is of the essence! Use it wisely!” We chatted for months about advocacy, until one day, the emails just stopped coming.

There is no reason we can’t take Richard’s advice and apply it to fibromyalgia and arthritis. He kept telling me one day, I’d do for fibro and arthritis what he’s doing with Alzheimer’s. I always gave a little giggle and knew I would never reach the depth he has. But, his words still inspire me. I only wish I could call him and thank him, but he would not remember who I am, what our time together was like or even that Steak n Shake moment.

I’m asking you to consider Richard’s story as one we can model. Even on many of the worst pain days, we have the capacity to send an email. We have the ability to read what the Arthritis Foundation is doing in terms of advocacy efforts and respond. We can advocate, we can pull together to drive research, funding, and eventually a cure. Those who haven’t found their voice yet, those to come, and the youth affected by these issues are depending on us.

Together, we can overcome. 

Kate

Kate's Bio 

Life with JRA

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Before my diagnosis, like many others, I thought arthritis was something only elderly people had. But, after three months of pain in all of my joints, a massive weight loss, and sleeping up to 18 hours a day, I quickly learned that arthritis is a real possibility at any age.

It started normally enough – a dull ache in my knees. I’d convinced myself it was a late growth spurt (just a few more inches!), but when the pain started to spread to my ankles, toes, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, neck, and pretty much everywhere else imaginable, I told my parents who took me to the doctor.

My family doctor told me early on that he thought I had JRA, but he sent me for blood work and with a recommendation to see a specialist. I had the first six vials of blood taken that day… I stopped keeping track of how many they’d taken after I hit 200. While my symptoms started in early April, my diagnosis didn’t come until July. Since my rheumatoid factor never popped positive, the best way for diagnosis was to eliminate every other possibility. I’d been hospitalized and taken multiple trips to Riley Hospital for Children. I’d been through blood cultures, body scans, and bone marrow extraction. I was tested for Lyme disease, leukemia, lymphoma, and host of other diseases I can’t pronounce. When the diagnosis finally came, I was grateful to have a name for it, but it didn’t make it any easier.

While I was sick, I lost 15 pounds. Once I got on a combination of medicines, I gained 12 pounds in 10 days – a nightmare for a senior in high school. While I felt better, I was still exhausted and achy. I had to relearn how to live again, and find my limitations and boundaries.

Studies say that over 300,000 children in America live with arthritis. That’s a conservative estimate, as no recent studies have been conducted on the actual number of children with arthritis and related immune diseases. Additionally, millions of young adult live with arthritis.

This is something that affects my life each and every day. I’m a 27-year-old English teacher who has to wake up early for work so my joints can get used to moving after sleeping. But, I’m one of the lucky ones. On a day-to-day basis, my arthritis only affects me in the mornings and evenings, unlike so many others who have been crippled by the disease.

Register Now!

A few summers ago, I had the privilege to attend the National Juvenile Arthritis Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania. There, I was able to meet so many children and young adults who live with this disease. They are some of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met.

One day, on a break, I went to the pool at the hotel just to be outside. There, a group of children from the conference were swimming while their parents were in sessions. As two boys splashed around, one said to the other, “We’re the luckiest kids ever!” And the other little boy said, “I know!” Tears immediately welled up in my eyes. These are kids who have to get weekly injections of biologics in order to control their arthritis so they can walk. These are kids who have faced ridicule from classmates who didn’t understand why they sometimes had to use wheelchairs. These are kids who face immense amounts of pain each and every day of their lives. These are kids who are amazing. 

There are so many things I’ve learned from having arthritis. I’ve learned how to enjoy everyday, even when they’re not perfect. I’ve learned how to make JRA a part of my life without letting it define me. And, slowly, I’m learning to accept support from others. The Arthritis Foundation has made all of this possible. I can’t wait to see what the Kids Get Arthritis Too event can do for others like me. 

Kids (and Teens!) Get Arthritis Too Family Day
Saturday, March 26, 2011
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marriot – Downtown South Bend 
http://AFKidsGetArthritisSB.kintera.org/

- Angela
 Read Angela's Bio 

 

Meet Kate Nicholson Our Central Indiana/Indianapolis Arthritis Walk Blogger!

Name:  Kate Nicholson

Hometown:  Indianapolis, IN

Arthritis Condition: Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and chronic bursitis

Diagnosed in:  Fibromyalgia in 2003, osteoarthritis and chronic bursitis in 2009

How has arthritis affected your life:  My diagnoses made me more driven to lead a healthy lifestyle and reach out to others who have the same issues.  I have a regular yoga practice and eat well, participate in research studies, volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation, and blog about my experiences.  It has been life changing, but it has made my life better and more meaningful.

Kate & boyfriend Brian at Indy JBR

How long and in what capacity have you been connected to the Arthritis Foundation:  In 2009 and 2010, I volunteered on the Indianapolis Jingle Bell Run committee.  In 2010, I also joined the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk committee as the volunteer coordinator.  In 2010, I mentored a group of graduate students who produced promotional material for Bone Bash.   In 2011, I am the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk event vice-chair.

Why do you volunteer with AF:  I understand how difficult it is to live with these conditions.  It is very important to me to help others find their way to a healthy and meaningful life.  The Arthritis Foundation gives our communities an avenue to convene, share information, to build awareness, and provide research dollars to find a cure.

Advice do you have for others:   In between the pain, lack of energy, and constant doctor’s appointments, it’s easy to feel like your life isn’t the quality you want it to be.  It doesn’t have to be less than what it used to be or not up to your expectations.  We have to make adjustments, and there’s nothing wrong with that.  The journey of living with arthritis related conditions can be as beautiful as you want it to be.  Find a good medical team, a good support team, treat your body well, and prioritize to make the most out of what you do have.

A little about you:  I am the Program Manager for the Indiana Public Health Training Center at IU School of Medicine Department of Public Health.  I’m also faculty in the IUPUI Department of Communication Studies and teach health communications, public speaking, and public relations.  I’m currently working on my PhD in Curriculum Studies.  I make time almost daily for yoga in the Iyengar style.  I have a crazy household on Eagle Creek with two Australian Shepherds, Furry Murray Fish Head and Rock Star Roxy Hart, and a cat, Princess Aurora the Diva Cat.  In addition, my significant other, Brian, and I enjoy volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation together, touring Indiana wineries, and challenging ourselves in the kitchen to make healthy food and treats.

What will you be blogging about?  I will be blogging about living well with fibromyalgia and arthritis, including my experiences with research, tips on working with your medical and support team, exercise, and other helpful things I find along the way.  I’ll also focus on the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk and the exciting plans!