Osteoarthritis

I received a diagnosis last week ~ osteoarthritis. I was referred to Dr. Holiday by my physician. The form I had to fill out as a new patient (even though he had seen me before) was very thorough. When, where, what and how was covered; he provided the why. Looking at the x-rays he said, "my gosh, no wonder you are in pain". I am bone on bone in both knees. He took a notepad and wrote down his diagnosis and what he thought our plan should be. I start rehab today to learn low impact exercises for both muscle strengthening and weight loss. This is No. 1. No.2 is to have Synvisc injections in both knees. He said they'd contact my insurance provider for pre-approval. They called a couple days later to schedule the injections as my provider said no pre-approval was required. The injections will be done in the Dr.'s office and he said it should ease my pain quite a bit. I have the injections on Oct. 7th. After 4 years of pain and swelling and limping and pain pills I finally have a valid reason for all of this. A diagnosis I'm not happy about but relieved to have a "why" and a course of action. I admit to being overweight to the extent of being obese. I weighed in at 256 lbs. about 3 weeks ago. I'm down to 241. At my doctors urging I cut out salt and soda. I don't think I've ever drank so much water. I'm getting to understand that a lot of my feeling hunger was actually thirst. I now grab a bottle of water and keep it with me at all times. At work I refill it from the water fountain. I've found I like cherry Crystal Light too. And that seems to satisfy my sweet tooth. Dr. Holiday suggested I read The Glycemic Diet written by a Dr. Campbell. I haven't found it yet but hope to.

So that is what has been going on in my world. How about yours? What have you been up to lately?

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess