I cannot believe that it is 2011, time seems to go by so fast. I keep saying that I am going to start doing better at blogging....but...it NEVER happens. There are so many things going on in my life, so many trials that I am facing. There are times that I am just so over whelmed that I don't know what to do or where to start taking care of some of these problems.
Since I learned about the problems that I have with my back, I have talked to a lot of women who have had a Gastric Bypass and years later discover that they have bulging and herniated disc's. I know that it is not due to the Gastric Bypass, it is from all that excess weight that we carried around for so long. I know that weighing 420 pounds DID NOT do my back any good, and know that I have lost a lot of weight I am in so much pain from my back that it isn't funny.
People ask me how it feels to have lost so much weight, and if I feel great. It feels wonderful to have lost so much weight and all in all I feel great from having lost it. But dealing with back problems and this constant pain some days is more than I can bare. Well, I guess that I shouldn't say that I am in constant pain, because a lot of the time I can't even tell when it is irritated except for the fact that I am extremely nauseated; and my legs are numb. That is how I know that my back is bothering me.
I am going to be doing research on weight loss and arthritis through out the year and I will pass a long the information that I find. I know that there are a lot of people out there that deal with Osteo Arthritis and Obesity, it is a real problem and we need to do something about it. My major problem right now is the pain that I am in, and finding the self motivation to get my self moving to do something about it. When I walk every day and get active it really helps my back feel better.
So, I am going to make a goal for my self. I am going to try to loose 25 pounds by my birthday. I am going to really watch what I am eating to help with the arthritis and walk, I want to get to were I can walk 8 miles a day. I am going to take control of my life again, and get back on the winning track. I will keep you all updated on the things that are going on in my life.
Thanks for the love and support.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Arthritis - Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects By John Robben
Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling diseases? It's true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40 million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60 million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this article and find out what this devastating disease is truly about.
Arthritis: What it Is
Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our next article, "Symptoms of Arthritis" for more information). Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or simply "wear and tear" on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an over active Immune System that results in inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, leading to "Gouty Arthritis". The joint pain, inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as "Arthralgia". Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.
Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn't the case. Yes it's true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.
One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.
The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.
The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen that Arthritis isn't cured, but managed.
Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:
· Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the joints)
· Increasing their Nutritional Intake
· Reducing Stress (both physical and emotional)
· Participating in Gentle Stress Free Exercises such as Stretching
· Using both Hot and Cold Therapies
· Protecting Joints by use of Splints and Braces
· Drug Therapies
· Surgery
If you suffer from Arthritis, don't give up. There are many people who are discovering that with the proper management and health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and pain free lives.
· Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis, "Symptoms of Arthritis".
Written by John Robben [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/] of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc. Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products.
Visit our Arthritis Information Center [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/research-health/arthritis-basics.htm]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Robben
Arthritis: What it Is
Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our next article, "Symptoms of Arthritis" for more information). Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or simply "wear and tear" on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an over active Immune System that results in inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, leading to "Gouty Arthritis". The joint pain, inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as "Arthralgia". Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.
Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn't the case. Yes it's true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.
One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.
The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.
The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen that Arthritis isn't cured, but managed.
Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:
· Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the joints)
· Increasing their Nutritional Intake
· Reducing Stress (both physical and emotional)
· Participating in Gentle Stress Free Exercises such as Stretching
· Using both Hot and Cold Therapies
· Protecting Joints by use of Splints and Braces
· Drug Therapies
· Surgery
If you suffer from Arthritis, don't give up. There are many people who are discovering that with the proper management and health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and pain free lives.
· Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis, "Symptoms of Arthritis".
Written by John Robben [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/] of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc. Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products.
Visit our Arthritis Information Center [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/research-health/arthritis-basics.htm]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Robben
Symptoms of Arthritis By John Robben
In a previous article, we discussed what Arthritis is and its many forms, now it is time to take a look at the symptoms of Arthritis. Arthritis shows up in various ways. Some of the first symptoms include things like knees cracking when you stand up, general pain or swelling around joints that lasts for more than two weeks, you may also notice that pain in your joints increases as you move, also you may notice increased stiffness in your joints when you wake up in the morning, and your joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
Some other symptoms of Arthritis include fever, a sense of feeling tired all the time, even a feeling that you have the flu. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you see your doctor or physician at once. Only a doctor can truly diagnose whether you have Arthritis, and because there are over 100 forms of Arthritis, it is also important to determine which form of Arthritis you have. The different forms of Arthritis have different symptoms as well. It is also important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, since Arthritis has no known cure, the sooner you seek treatment and begin a regimen of care, and the better your results of managing your Arthritis will be. Your treatment plan may include things such as a specific course of medicine, plenty of rest, adequate diet, and proper nutrition, losing weight if you are overweight, and in severe cases, surgery may be required. In future articles we will look at treatment options, from Acupuncture to Zinc.
Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?
We've discussed that there are over 100 forms of Arthritis. The most common forms are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. All of these forms have different symptoms and require testing by your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some of the symptoms and differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:
· Osteoarthritis Typically begins in one Joint
· Osteoarthritis Typically affects only the Joints
· Osteoarthritis does not affect Internal Organs
· Osteoarthritis affects Cartilage
· Osteoarthritis causes Stiffness in the Joints when waking in the Morning
Osteoarthritis is a result of cartilage being broke down. As this takes place, the bones rub together. This typically happens in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Unfortunately, when the pain sets in there has already been a substantial loss and damage to the cartilage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis has different symptoms than Osteoarthritis. Here are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
· Extreme Tiredness and Fatigue
· Low Grade Fever
· Muscle Pain and Aches
· Appetite Loss
· Painful and Swollen Joints
· Redness and Heat at the Joint Site
Typically, Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the joint of the body in a symmetrical fashion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease and it often affects other organs in the body, and not just joints.
The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis often appear, and then enter a state of remission. There is no proven reason as to the exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis, however it has been suspected that bacteria, fungi, and infections may cause it. There has also been evidence that Rheumatoid Arthritis is a hereditary condition. It is also believed that certain triggers, such as poor nutrition, stress, and infection can bring on Rheumatoid Arthritis.
· Stay tuned for our next article, "Osteoarthritis: Cause and Treatments".
Written by John Robben [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/] of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc. Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products.
Visit our Arthritis Information Center [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/arthritis-series-intro.htm]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Robben
Some other symptoms of Arthritis include fever, a sense of feeling tired all the time, even a feeling that you have the flu. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you see your doctor or physician at once. Only a doctor can truly diagnose whether you have Arthritis, and because there are over 100 forms of Arthritis, it is also important to determine which form of Arthritis you have. The different forms of Arthritis have different symptoms as well. It is also important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, since Arthritis has no known cure, the sooner you seek treatment and begin a regimen of care, and the better your results of managing your Arthritis will be. Your treatment plan may include things such as a specific course of medicine, plenty of rest, adequate diet, and proper nutrition, losing weight if you are overweight, and in severe cases, surgery may be required. In future articles we will look at treatment options, from Acupuncture to Zinc.
Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?
We've discussed that there are over 100 forms of Arthritis. The most common forms are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. All of these forms have different symptoms and require testing by your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some of the symptoms and differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:
· Osteoarthritis Typically begins in one Joint
· Osteoarthritis Typically affects only the Joints
· Osteoarthritis does not affect Internal Organs
· Osteoarthritis affects Cartilage
· Osteoarthritis causes Stiffness in the Joints when waking in the Morning
Osteoarthritis is a result of cartilage being broke down. As this takes place, the bones rub together. This typically happens in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Unfortunately, when the pain sets in there has already been a substantial loss and damage to the cartilage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis has different symptoms than Osteoarthritis. Here are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
· Extreme Tiredness and Fatigue
· Low Grade Fever
· Muscle Pain and Aches
· Appetite Loss
· Painful and Swollen Joints
· Redness and Heat at the Joint Site
Typically, Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the joint of the body in a symmetrical fashion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease and it often affects other organs in the body, and not just joints.
The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis often appear, and then enter a state of remission. There is no proven reason as to the exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis, however it has been suspected that bacteria, fungi, and infections may cause it. There has also been evidence that Rheumatoid Arthritis is a hereditary condition. It is also believed that certain triggers, such as poor nutrition, stress, and infection can bring on Rheumatoid Arthritis.
· Stay tuned for our next article, "Osteoarthritis: Cause and Treatments".
Written by John Robben [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/] of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc. Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products.
Visit our Arthritis Information Center [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/arthritis-series-intro.htm]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Robben
Osteoarthritis: Causes and Symptoms By John Robben
In our last article, we briefly discussed Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This article will take a close look at the cause, symptoms, and current treatment used for Osteoarthritis. So let's take a second look at what Osteoarthritis is.
Osteoarthritis is known by many as "wear and tear" Arthritis. It is one of the most common forms of Arthritis and is the result of cartilage wearing away from the joints. This cartilage is responsible for the smooth gliding of joints, and once it begins to deteriorate, the patient is left with pain, joint swelling and inflammation, and even deformity.
Osteoarthritis patients usually state that their pain is greatest during times of movement, and then lessens significantly during periods of rest. Osteoarthritis affects many more women than men. There is an estimated 24 million Osteoarthritis sufferers in the United States and roughly 74% are women.
The cause of Osteoarthritis is not known, yet doctors have many suspicions. Some of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis boggle the minds of scientists and more research needs to take place to determine the actual root of the disease. For instance, X-rays can tell that Arthritis is present, yet the amount of pain reported by Osteoarthritis sufferers differs from the results of the X-ray. Though many people refer to Osteoarthritis as the "wear and tear" disease, evidence shows that this disease and its mysterious cause are not as simple as that definition. In fact, "wear and tear" does not take place in just one joint, but affects joints simultaneously throughout the body. An example of this, is that sufferers with Osteoarthritis of the knee, offer suffer Osteoarthritis in the hand. Also, doctors have noted that patients don't suffer with Osteoarthritis on just one side of the body (as would be expected due to wear and tear) but because it seems to affect the body concurrently, it appears that Osteoarthritis is a systematic disease affecting all of the cartilage at once.
One suggestion is that Osteoarthritis is a result of cartilage that has stopped functioning at optimum level. Cartilage is continuously undergoing a process where it is broken down, then rebuilt. Some theories state that this process becomes unbalanced and out of hand. This is referred to as "End Stage Osteoarthritis." It is at this stage that joint pain and impairment begin to manifest. There are many natural remedies that show promise in the management of Osteoarthritis pain and symptoms. Look for future articles in our Arthritis Series that will offer natural remedies that may prevent enzymes from damaging cartilage.
Some other ideas that point to the cause of Osteoarthritis include:
· Previous Sports related or Joint Injuries
· Genetically Inherited (it appears that Osteoarthritis runs in families)
· Repeated Occurrences of Bleeding into a Joint (as occurs with Hemophilia and other diseases)
· Repeated Occurrences of Gout and Gout like Diseases
· Avascular Necrosis- this is a condition where blood near a bone is cut off, this leads to bone death as well as joint damage. Avascular Necrosis typically afflicts the hip joint.
· Previous Rheumatoid Related Illness- such as Rheumatoid Arthritis can lead to chronic inflammation of the joints.
· Osteoporosis-due to the high risk of bone fractures and injury, Osteoarthritis may develop in joints.
· Metabolic Disorders- for example, Hemochromatosis can result in high levels of Iron being deposited in the joints
· Joint Infection-It is believed that cartilage may deteriorate in people who have defects in their cartilage and joints.
We've discussed the potential causes of Osteoarthritis, now it is time to look at the various symptoms of Osteoarthritis. The symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:
· Joint Pain- this tends to be worse when rising in the morning
· Joint Swelling and Inflammation- this occurs during periods of activity
· Feeling a "Grinding" Sensation when a Joint is moved
· Loss of Mobility and Flexibility
There is no sure way to prevent Arthritis in any of its forms. There are however some things that you can do to help lower your risk of developing Osteoarthritis or any other type of Arthritis.
Some of the preventative methods that you may add to your lifestyle today include:
· Maintain an Ideal Body Weight
· Take steps to prevent the development of Osteoporosis.
Some of these include taking adequate Vitamin D and Calcium, exercising, and taking medication if needed.
· Do your best to prevent injuring your bones and joints -try to avoid accidents such as sports related, implementing joint protection by using splints and braces.
Written by John Robben [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/] of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc.
Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products. Visit our Arthritis Information Center [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/research-health/arthritis-osteoarthritis-causes-3b.htm]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Robben
Osteoarthritis is known by many as "wear and tear" Arthritis. It is one of the most common forms of Arthritis and is the result of cartilage wearing away from the joints. This cartilage is responsible for the smooth gliding of joints, and once it begins to deteriorate, the patient is left with pain, joint swelling and inflammation, and even deformity.
Osteoarthritis patients usually state that their pain is greatest during times of movement, and then lessens significantly during periods of rest. Osteoarthritis affects many more women than men. There is an estimated 24 million Osteoarthritis sufferers in the United States and roughly 74% are women.
The cause of Osteoarthritis is not known, yet doctors have many suspicions. Some of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis boggle the minds of scientists and more research needs to take place to determine the actual root of the disease. For instance, X-rays can tell that Arthritis is present, yet the amount of pain reported by Osteoarthritis sufferers differs from the results of the X-ray. Though many people refer to Osteoarthritis as the "wear and tear" disease, evidence shows that this disease and its mysterious cause are not as simple as that definition. In fact, "wear and tear" does not take place in just one joint, but affects joints simultaneously throughout the body. An example of this, is that sufferers with Osteoarthritis of the knee, offer suffer Osteoarthritis in the hand. Also, doctors have noted that patients don't suffer with Osteoarthritis on just one side of the body (as would be expected due to wear and tear) but because it seems to affect the body concurrently, it appears that Osteoarthritis is a systematic disease affecting all of the cartilage at once.
One suggestion is that Osteoarthritis is a result of cartilage that has stopped functioning at optimum level. Cartilage is continuously undergoing a process where it is broken down, then rebuilt. Some theories state that this process becomes unbalanced and out of hand. This is referred to as "End Stage Osteoarthritis." It is at this stage that joint pain and impairment begin to manifest. There are many natural remedies that show promise in the management of Osteoarthritis pain and symptoms. Look for future articles in our Arthritis Series that will offer natural remedies that may prevent enzymes from damaging cartilage.
Some other ideas that point to the cause of Osteoarthritis include:
· Previous Sports related or Joint Injuries
· Genetically Inherited (it appears that Osteoarthritis runs in families)
· Repeated Occurrences of Bleeding into a Joint (as occurs with Hemophilia and other diseases)
· Repeated Occurrences of Gout and Gout like Diseases
· Avascular Necrosis- this is a condition where blood near a bone is cut off, this leads to bone death as well as joint damage. Avascular Necrosis typically afflicts the hip joint.
· Previous Rheumatoid Related Illness- such as Rheumatoid Arthritis can lead to chronic inflammation of the joints.
· Osteoporosis-due to the high risk of bone fractures and injury, Osteoarthritis may develop in joints.
· Metabolic Disorders- for example, Hemochromatosis can result in high levels of Iron being deposited in the joints
· Joint Infection-It is believed that cartilage may deteriorate in people who have defects in their cartilage and joints.
We've discussed the potential causes of Osteoarthritis, now it is time to look at the various symptoms of Osteoarthritis. The symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:
· Joint Pain- this tends to be worse when rising in the morning
· Joint Swelling and Inflammation- this occurs during periods of activity
· Feeling a "Grinding" Sensation when a Joint is moved
· Loss of Mobility and Flexibility
There is no sure way to prevent Arthritis in any of its forms. There are however some things that you can do to help lower your risk of developing Osteoarthritis or any other type of Arthritis.
Some of the preventative methods that you may add to your lifestyle today include:
· Maintain an Ideal Body Weight
· Take steps to prevent the development of Osteoporosis.
Some of these include taking adequate Vitamin D and Calcium, exercising, and taking medication if needed.
· Do your best to prevent injuring your bones and joints -try to avoid accidents such as sports related, implementing joint protection by using splints and braces.
Written by John Robben [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/] of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc.
Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products. Visit our Arthritis Information Center [http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/research-health/arthritis-osteoarthritis-causes-3b.htm]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Robben
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