My Goodness! I injured my knee in a simple twist and turn down step several weeks ago... only to discover, after an MRI and x-ray, that the injuries have been happening for a long time and I have end stage (bone on bone) osteoarthritis(OA) in the patella of BOTH knees, a torn meniscus (old injury), a Baker's cyst which I could best describe as fluid weeping from my raging knee, pre-patellar bursitis, and OA in the other two compartments of the knees as well.

HHO has become more precious to me than ever. It is my harbor in the storm of this new diagnosis. Each pound lost will take 4 pounds of pressure off my joints as I walk. I'm icing and elevating and praying up a storm while adapting the fast track of this program to get 10% of my weight off for relief. And that's only the beginning. I will not stop. Even if I have total knee replacement surgery, being of a healthier weight will be better for the new knees and the accompanying surgery outcome.

I am becoming stronger, not weaker. I hurt a lot sometimes, but it's not overwhelming and all the tools presented in HHO serve me well physically, mentally and emotionally as I make my way albeit hobbling at times. Like yesterday when I cycled then went to Costco. I should have iced after the workout before shopping. I'm learning my new limits and pushing some limits too. After I elevated and iced in the afternoon, I used a cane to get back to the gym because I can cycle without pain and it makes me stronger and able to lose weight. It was humbling to see compassion for my condition in the eyes of the women who opened the doors for me.

Pain is a teacher and a great motivator. I want to change and my body begs me to change. All will be well. In all manner of things, all IS well.

PEACE to all on the HHO journey,
Chickita Beckita

Oh Bekita, ao sorry you're hurting. It seams whenever we get feel g good something like that will happen to knock us down. Your motivation and artitude is inspiring and exactly what you can do for yourself to recover and bounce back even better thatn before!

Thanks, Wendy, for your sweet and strong comments!

It is so much easier to plan and stay with the HHO program when I'm not traveling on nearly successive trips!!!
**I LOVE the HHO spreadsheet for tracking and tweaking.
**I've got extra fiber on board in the pm.
**This house is filled with yummy and delicious fruits and veggies from Costco and the Farmer's Market with protein sources still coming from the freezer from previous cooking. **My beautiful knees are as potent a motivator as anything right now to choose healthy eating.

I realized this morning as I awoke that I have not been breathing deeply lately so I have re-focused on this. Ah!

I just finished an hour of cycling at the Club with pre and post workout icing... Advil on board and absolutely NO PAIN! Actually my gait is rather regal as if a Lady of the high court as I left the place today. Actually it's a simple, comfortable walk which I appreciate. Exercise makes me feel positive power!!!

Beckita:

You are amazing. Tackling this head-on and bringing all the tools and skills for success. I enjoyed your Celebration post that in part was realized as you are forced to slow down a bit.

There was a Star Trek show (the version with Jon Luc Picard) that included a segment about being able to slow down time. Some days it seems like that is actually happening and everything around you is brighter and more intense. Sounds like you achieved that today.

Thanks, Carla, for the positive feedback.

Years ago, when I began the ACA (adult child of an alcoholic) journey, I remember one group member who couldn't tolerate antidepressants. Her RX was exercise. I think the exercise contributes greatly to my awareness, enhanced with brightness and intensity.

I went back to cycle again in the late afternoon yesterday... 44 miles of riding in 2 separate hours. Put in an hour this am and am headed back for a ride soon. I only live a mile from the place and I've got so many good books to read while riding. Tomorrow is my rest day as I take care of Lola and Bella. I'll probably vary the 2 hour days with 1 hour days. I realize I could burn out if I don't take care. I also want to begin the strength training this week. I think I'm ready.

All the while I'm munching on the best fuel for my newfound power-building fun.

Dear Beckita,
Yikes, our knees are so important and precious.
Cycling is an excellent way to exercise without further stressing your sore joints.
If you are interested I know an awesome osteopathic clinic. My osteopath is quite confident that even bone-on bone osteoarthritis people can live actively and comfortably without surgery.
I know I should not give medical advice, but I've worked with lots and lots of joint replacement people. You will probably not be surprised to know that my opinion is that total joint is an absolute last resort.
Beckita, I have found your forum messages to be thoughtful and kind-hearted.
Hang in there Chiquita.
Lise

Thanks for your thoughts and well-wishing, Lise. I appreciate your caring concern.

I've been researching to glean understandings while reflecting on my particular body. Fortunately, I'm working with an orthopedic doc, specializing in knees, who also believes total knee replacement is the last option for treatment. There's great respect for the fact that each patient is different and will respond differently to interventions along the way.

My initial RX is exercise and my knee likes this therapy as does my entire body! Much of the swelling from the insult to my right knee nearly a month ago has subsided thanks to time and my new best friend, ICE.

I'm cognizantly practicing soft-stepping when I walk... it's a beautiful dance of mindfulness and keeps me from pounding on my joints. I'm awaiting a Tai Chi DVD and have found a lot of references for this being a gentle-way-for-the-joints to stretch. A YOGA for Arthritis will accompany the order but I'm especially excited about the Tai Chi. There have been many Chinese guests in our home who have awakened with Tai Chi as their morning exercise. This evokes memories of such gracefulness. I'm excited to give this a try!

Today is rest from exercise day and I'm hankering for something new in the recipe line. Maybe it's time to give those pumpkin pancakes a whirl.

Love the exercise ticker! Ride on!

"B",
I can so relate to the knee problems you describe. I wish you luck with easing the pain and losing the weight will definitely help... I hope I can follow in your footsteps and learn from HHO how to lose the weight and keep it off once and for all.

Wouldn't it be nice to just have one day pain free? Like a birthday... okay today you get to be young again and have no pain. Hang in there. Keep up the good work.

Peace, Mary

Thanks for sharing, Mary, concerning the knees. And thanks for your encouragement. I'm pulling for you as well... and for all our friends making their individual journeys. May your dreams come true with HHO.

I'm tired this evening and will have to PUSH to get out the door to the club in a few. I was up too late last night and my darling granddaughters who I watched yesterday and today are coming down with colds. I am sooooooooo blessed with my "one room school house" in retirement. Today I brought along a favorite CD from classroom days which included one of my favorite songs, for young and old alike:

May we all connect with the beauty within ourselves, the special people on the forums and the people we meet day by day.