How do you know how much you can do, until you try to do more than you can do?
Last November, I had come to the end of my rope. For the second time in my life, I had become crippled. In my early 20s, I became debilitated with osteoarthritis in my spine. I also had chronic adductor tendinitis as a result, and my knees swelled from constant limping. Prior to getting a wheelchair, I moved to the desert. After a year of drugs and exercise along with the dry climate, I was able to walk upright and enjoy most things. Living with pain was "normal" and I never complained because I was so happy to be "functioning" again.
I have had a wonderful, full life, no matter what state my body has been in. Last November marked 12 years since I had moved to the desert. I had never had a problem with my knees before. I enjoyed hiking and walking, even though I was never able to run. I began having small pains and clicking in my knees, but didn't think anything of it. Pretty soon, though, it became unbearable. That's when I succumbed to my first cortisone injections in both knees so I could continue getting to work every day.
I had good intentions of losing 25 pounds so that I wouldn't have to return to the doctor for more injections. They are good for 3 - 6 months and you can't get them more than every three months. My exercise attempts were futile, and I couldn't resist partaking when my wonderful husband ordered pizza on Friday nights or asked me to pick up fried chicken on the way home from work. Within 3 months, I needed another injection in my left knee, which is worse than my right. Arthritis has crept in and there is not much to be done except lose weight and keep active. Along came my next resolution.
YOU DON'T KNOW UNTIL YOU TRY!!!
