just want to gripe

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just want to gripe

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1pollysmith
apr 23, 2011, 6:44 pm

For a couple days now my joints have hurt, aching and I have no energy. It makes me mad cause I don't want to feel this way and I don't know why I would. I'm trying to eat better and lose some weight. I move alot during the day at work but once I get home I don't want to do anything

2pmackey
apr 24, 2011, 5:12 pm

You stole my post! Well, you left out that my hip is bothering me, too.... Sigh. :-(

Hope you feel better.

3pollysmith
apr 24, 2011, 5:22 pm

thanks, actually my hips do hurt constantly but I bought new walking shoes today so maybe that will help. Do you have arthiritis?

4PhaedraB
apr 25, 2011, 3:13 pm

I thought I had arthritis. Turned out to be bursitis. Anti-inflammatories helped.

5pmackey
apr 25, 2011, 3:56 pm

I have worn joints. Too much running; working in factory when I was younger, etc.

6pollysmith
apr 26, 2011, 6:19 pm

The new shoes are helping!

7NorthernTeacher
mei 2, 2011, 12:15 pm

Oh dear - and I thought it was just me! Just moved to a cottage with a fab garden - never had a garden before and, boy, am I aching! Finding lots of lovely new books on growing veg and how to recognise plants etc though!

8pollysmith
mei 3, 2011, 6:49 am

I miss having a garden but, on the other hand, I can't garden for long without pain. I did get one of those garden seats/kneeling pads with handles that helped a lot getting up and down. Northern teacher, have you joined the gardening group here?

9pmackey
mei 3, 2011, 11:57 am

I always wanted one of those English cottage gardens but what yard and flowers I do have keep me busy enough. After working all week, the last thing I want to do is work more. Now, my wife loves working in the yard, so if I could only convince her that she really, really does want to work in the yard and let me stay on the porch with my books and a cuppa tea.... Ah, that'd be sweet.

Seriously, though, I've been thinking about raising veggies again because the price of everything keeps going up.

10NorthernTeacher
mei 4, 2011, 9:37 am

Hiya again.

Pollysmith, I didn't think to look for a gardening group on LT! I joined GardenersClick and BBC Gardeners World sites - the latter has got some good 'how to' pages but the groups I joined on GardenersClick don't seem particularly active. I've got one of those kneeling pads and it's amazing what a difference they make to cranky knees, isn't it?

Pmackey, I've managed to get some rocket to grow and have even had some in a sandwich! But the radishes (which I understand are supposed to be really easy to grow) show no signs at all! I've also got some seedlings growing that I forgot to label. Ho hum ... I'll learn, I hope :-)

My mother-in-law gave me quite an old book (no publication date, though I think from searching it's about 1950) that I was surprised to find that other LThingers have. I shouldn't be surprised though, should I?

11mamzel
mei 12, 2011, 5:09 pm

I have been suffering with arthritis in my right knee for 8 years or so. I took Pilates classes for a while which made me feel wonderful and energetic but that gym closed and I can't afford any others. I used to love to walk but I can't now. I came across a not-very-pretty pair of shoes at a Ross store by Easy Spirit and they are practically life changing! Shoes can make all the difference. I have been taking advantage of painless evenings to take a walk around the block and the length of time I can walk painfree is getting longer and longer. I may have to invest in a set of these shoes in every color they offer!

(I am not related to anyone at Easy Spirit nor am I accepting compensation for this. Like an evangelist, I just want to spread the good news!)

12staffordcastle
mei 12, 2011, 6:35 pm

Mamzel, I am also a devotee of Easy Spirit - they have an outlet store in a nearby town, and I make the trek there at least once a year.

13DocWood
mei 13, 2011, 8:00 pm

Ooh, Phaedra. You could be me.

I have post-polio sequelae, one of which is fatigue. Also, due to the structural deficiencies, bursitis in my left hip. My doc told me (a) anti-inflammatories, which you are already doing, (b) ice, and (c) stop abusing the joint. All of that helps.

In the meantime, I tell myself, I just have more time for reading!

14Booksloth
okt 22, 2011, 5:37 am

OP - Pollysmith - have you had your thyroid checked? I have multiple back problems that affect neck, shoulders, pelvis, hips etc so I very nearly overlooked pain in other joints (wrists, ankles etc) but when I finally did see my doctor he immediately checked out my thyroid and found it was under-active. Apparently pains in the joints are a classic sign of hypothyroidism. If it is untreated it can be dangerous so anyone who suspects this should see their GP soon; on the other hand, treatment just involves taking a pill a day for the rest of your life and once the dosage is correct those symptoms will just disappear. There is also a big 'up-side' here in the UK because hypothyroidism is one of those conditions that qualifies you for free prescriptions (every cloud etc)!

15fuzzi
okt 22, 2011, 2:08 pm

Good idea for a thread!

I've a little arthritis in my knees, ankles, and other assorted joints in the body, but all 'age appropriate' according to a rheumatologist I went to for my right hip pain. The hip pain was due to advanced arthritis (the left hip was fine, go figure) and I eventually had a THR (total hip replacement) on that one side.

Shoes are very, VERY important! I wear good sneakers with not only support, but with rubber soles to cushion my joints from the shock of walking.

Food can have a big impact on arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Did you know that certain foods can make inflammation (arthritis, etc.) worse? For that reason, I avoid certain foods which helps keep me from aching a lot. The big culprits I avoid are tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers, all member of the nightshade family. I also avoid high fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars. I've noticed a difference in my pain when I avoid those foods.

Berries are GOOD for you, like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Pineapple is also very good and seems to reduce my inflammation.

My thyroid's been checked, no problems there.

I do have some soreness in my right elbow at times, usually after I've tried pulling something heavy, or played ball with my dog: it appears to be bursitis but with some rest, it gets better.

Don't you LOVE having to 'go easy' instead of just doing what you want to do? ::insert annoyed smiley here::

16devow
okt 22, 2011, 4:28 pm

Wow...I guess in this world you're not alone. There's always someone going through the same exact thing! I had the same thoughts precisely, this morning. LOL

17fuzzi
okt 23, 2011, 8:14 pm

(16) That is so true, devow.

There's a verse in the Bible about how people go through things so that they can wind up helping others through the same trials. Makes sense.

This afternoon I mulched ten junipers that we planted last week...and now I'm feeling it in my shoulders and right elbow.

Anyone else do some yard work this weekend and want to sympathize with me? :D

18pollysmith
Bewerkt: okt 24, 2011, 7:33 am

yesterday I went to church, sang in the choir, hurried home bolted a snadwich then took Grandson to a cub scout walk at a historical working farm, then hurried home to the fall party at church where I helped kids paint little wooden faces and then sat thru an hour and a half of a herptologist showing and teaching the kids about reptiles.(I hate snakes) This morning I am very sore because I also listened to the baby crying until after midnight and my daughter and SIL attempting to soothe her. then I woke up coughing twice. So my night has not been very restful.
aaaaaand theres no coffee. :(

I will ask the doc to check my thyroid

19tymfos
okt 27, 2011, 3:40 am

May I join your gripe session? Insomnia. If there's anything that makes me want to gripe -- about everything -- it's being wide awake at 3:30 in the morning. Why does the world seem so much grimmer at this hour? Muscle aches just seem to ache more at night. Or they're more annoying, anyway.

20theretiredlibrarian
okt 27, 2011, 9:08 am

Hot flashes. Night sweats. Insomnia. Mood swings. Menopause ain't for sissies. Or their partners.

21MerryMary
okt 27, 2011, 11:16 am

This too shall pass.

22fuzzi
okt 27, 2011, 7:30 pm

(20) Yep, I SO understand.

And no one better make some snide comment about "you must be going through the change..." or I might react rather strongly... ;)

23Tess_W
okt 30, 2011, 4:53 am

LOL, we are all in the same boat: my hips and shoulders hurt horribly, I have found out I have a bone spur on my heel which is irritating my achilles tendon--so painful to walk--the Dr. said orthotics in the shoes and/or a surgery to remove spur. I'm opting for the orthotic in the shoe first......gosh I will be one of those old ladies who wears flat black shoes! This growing old thing; I'm not liking it so much; but better than the alternative!

24theretiredlibrarian
okt 30, 2011, 9:49 am

I am so sad my days of "cute shoes" are pretty much over. Summers are not bad; I can pretty much wear any sandal, so long as they are flat. Enclosed shoes are another matter. Even the so called "comfort" brands are not really comfortable. I have to go shopping today for new shoes, and not looking forward to it. I don't like ugly shoes. :(

25runner56
okt 30, 2011, 1:00 pm

I'm with you theexiledibrarian....you have just described my wife :(

26gimboid13
okt 30, 2011, 1:19 pm

Orthotics are the way to go if possible Tess. I've had some achilles problems due to running injuries. Not an uncommon problem in more 'mature' runners apparently. I've heard that recovery from surgery in that area takes a while due to limited blood flow.

27runner56
okt 30, 2011, 1:55 pm

speaking of running injuries...has anyone had the misfortune to suffer the severe pain of plantar faciitis....as a keen runner I know only too well how PF can stop you running for a long while....thank goodness for my racing bicycle :)

28staffordcastle
okt 30, 2011, 4:30 pm

Yep, plantar fasciitis here for many years, without even being a runner. It's in my right foot, and is aggravated by driving, of course.

29justjim
okt 30, 2011, 4:52 pm

Maybe that really is nature's way of telling you to 'slow down'! ;)

30pollysmith
okt 30, 2011, 6:23 pm

23> go for the surgery, its quick and easy and you will feel so much better!

31TruthSeeker
nov 6, 2011, 3:52 pm

I have osteoarthritis in my knees and ankles and my hands often ache as well. When I remember to take my supplements regularly, however, the pain subsides. I use Instaflex and Lyprinol which combine various antiflammatories. They work!

32WordMaven
nov 6, 2011, 3:59 pm

TruthSeeker: I have osteo in my knees, too. I H8 it, but what can you do. Actually, my iliotibial bands are always tight, and last week I stretched them more than normal and I noticed that my knees weren't complaining as much.

So far, my ankles and hands are OK. Thank God for that.

I won't take supps. I don't have anything against them; I just won't take them. That's just one of my quirks. I have a refrigerator shelf full of supps that are slowly expiring cuz I simply will not take them.

Hope you all feel better.

33fuzzi
nov 7, 2011, 12:40 pm

(31) Truthseeker, did you know that the foods you eat can contribute to your inflammation woes?

I have arthritis in my hip, knees and hands, age-appropriate for the most part. However, I had a total hip replacement three years ago due to the advanced stage of arthritis in one hip.

Before I had the surgery, I found that if I avoided certain foods, I did not hurt as much. I have continued to stay away from certain foods since my surgery, and can tell the difference when I indulge in the 'bad' stuff!

Some of the foods that increase inflammation are:

tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant

Some citrus fruits are bad as well.

Stay away from beef and processed meat such as bacon, sausage, and deli meat.

Try to limit your intake of refined sugar and any corn syrup, especially high fructose corn syrup. Don't use artificial sweeteners, either.

Avoid fried/fatty foods.

Sometimes dairy foods can make your inflammation worse.

Alcohol and caffeine can increase inflammation, too.

The good stuff to eat includes:

fish (salmon, tuna, and others rich in omega 3)
pineapple (fresh if you can find it)
blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, cherries
orange vegetables such as carrots, yams (sweet potatoes)
walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts
green vegetables
whole grains instead of refined 'white' bread and pasta

Try it for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference in your pain levels. It did for me!

34varielle
mei 15, 2012, 12:25 pm

Here's a gripe, I went in search of carbon paper for an art project. Remember carbon paper? Into an Office Max I went and after fruitlessly wandering asked the sales girl (maybe 23 or so) if they even carried it. She assured me they did and directed me to copy paper. She didn't even know what it was! So, I'm still questing for carbon paper.

36karenmarie
mei 15, 2012, 1:39 pm

I still have about 3 or 4 sheets of carbon paper from the time daughter was doing lots of posters for school. Neither she or I are at all artistic and posters have to have pictures on them. Thank God for the internet and carbon paper! Her flowers looked like flowers, her animals like animals, etc.

37jstue
mei 15, 2012, 1:47 pm

Trouble is we'll be so old when it passes, that our body is in the declining stages!!

38WordMaven
mei 23, 2012, 12:50 pm

Ah, the therapeutic value of one griper helping another is without parallel! :-D

I have a bone spur in my right knee and no amount of anti-inflamms, pilates, yoga, or Easy Spirit can change that. I have no health insurance and no sugar daddy, so paying for knee surgery is o-u-t out.

I continue to attend ballet class twice/week but only do grand plie in second position, don't do petit allegro and have to re-choreograph most of grand allegro. Otherwise, I may as well leave after piruoettes. My point is that I refuse to go down without a good fight.

Also, after just returning to the workforce 2 months ago (after a 13-month layoff) I found out yesterday the company is canning the tech writers (me) at the end of June. It is my fervent prayer that I will qualify for unemployment, athough I fear I may not.

Oh yeah, and my condo is in foreclosure.

If there's any award on this thread, I think I won it.

39fuzzi
mei 23, 2012, 1:07 pm

I'm so sorry, WordMaven. I sincerely hope that things improve for you, and soon.

40WordMaven
mei 26, 2012, 10:07 pm

Thanks, fuzzi. They will. I'm letting go of the condo at long last. I look forward to getting out from under that debt load.

I'm moving into the house of a friend who has a HUGE backyard, and I will soon be up to my elbows in mud and gardening, which I love.

It's not all bad. I just wanted to get in on the griping. Although I really would like some help with my knee!

41karenmarie
mei 28, 2012, 5:48 pm

I spent 45 minutes washing my car. I love my car and wanted it to be clean going back to work tomorrow. I clean it about once a year anymore and was whupped.

Daughter and I went out for a late lunch (Mexican) then food shopping. Mind you, when we left home there was not a cloud in the sky. Once we had gotten all the food in the car and started home I saw the dark gray clouds and tried to beat the rain, but it was a double-wiper event for about a mile or so. Crap! My clean car! Rained on. Fortunately, I wasn't on any gravel or dirt roads so once we got home and put the groceries away i came back out with a clean towel to wipe the windshield and rear window. Perfect. Didn't even look like it had been rained on. Then, just as I was putting it into the garage, it got sprinkled on again. Not much, but still. Daughter, bless her pointy little head, was smirking at me the whole time.

I ended up having a good laugh about it.

42WordMaven
mei 28, 2012, 7:03 pm

karenmarie-

everyone knows that washing the car is The Official Rain Dance.Works every time, even in southern California.

43justjim
mei 28, 2012, 7:56 pm

What? Are you saying Albert Hammond was a liar?

44karenmarie
mei 30, 2012, 2:43 pm

Yes, WordMaven, that is true. We didn't need rain, though, so I thought I was safe.

Being FROM Southern California, I remember lots of weeks where instead of washing my car I'd ... get ready for this ... dust it with a feather duster. True story. I got it detailed every 10 weeks and sometimes it didn't get rained on once during that time. Lots of road dust though, so that's how I kept it clean.

He is absolutely a liar. He's right about the gully-washers, but there are days and days of misty irritating rain.

So I've been rained on twice since my gripe above. Still looks good. Drives better too - y'all do know that cars get better mileage and drive better when they're clean, right?

45Rowntree
jun 8, 2012, 4:39 pm

Not so much of a gripe, but. . . in a couple of weeks, I won't be a 50-something any longer. I don't plan to un-subscribe, though. :-)

46MerryMary
jun 8, 2012, 10:59 pm

I've been here for 2 years beyond the deadline. Nobody's kicked me out...yet...

47fuzzi
jun 9, 2012, 8:31 am

Shh...I won't tell...

48trishpaw
jun 27, 2013, 12:34 am

Never was a morning person, and now wish I could just sleep at night. I have stopped drinking tea, etc but still am up. So frustrating!