GLUTEN FREE LIVING AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

I wrote a post for today hours and hours ago.  Every time I clicked on the publish box, everything came out befuzzled.  I have tried and tried to correct the mistake that I cannot understand that I have made, so I just say Geesh.....and write another.


What I was trying to share today is my adventure into the Gluten free diet world.  Gluten?  What's that?  It is a protein found in wheat, barley, wheat products.  And it is been found to cause inflammation of joints.  Joints as in body joints, not dives and other yucky places.  


Many people have found that by no longer eating wheat, their osteoarthritis improves.  I, personally, have two friends who have testified to the benefits of living gluten free. 


I ventured into this program after visiting with my orthopaedic surgeon at Ortho Indy, one of the nation's leading group of orthopaedic physicians.  


My physician, Dr. Mark DiLella, made the comment that after looking at the x-rays of my hands, that I am one arthritic person.  That comment gave me visions of being so crippled with arthritis in the years to come, that I might end up in a wheel chair or something similar.  


I know, I know, I have a vivid imagination and sometimes tend to see the worse case scenario.  That's okay in this instance as it has given me the kick in the arse to take charge of my future when it comes to how I will be able to move about.


Since we have returned home, I have not been able to do much felting due to the pain in my hands and back.  I was fortunate to have some inventory to take to the St. James Court Art Show in Louisville, Kentucky last week end.  


To be able to work  at the show, I had to have pain medication beyond the typical Alieve or Ibuprofen.  That was not "a good thing" for me and I sure did not want to think I had to rely on narcotics to get me through the rest of my life.


Two of my friends have been preaching / touting / sharing the benefits of a gluten free diet.  Bah humbug, I thought for the last two or three years.  


Last week, I asked myself what I had to loose if I tried the gluten free diet.  When I could not come up with one reason.  When I knew that I wanted to have a better life than sitting in a chair all day.  When I knew that I wanted to explore the deserts of the southwest this winter, I gave in and started to live the gluten free life.


Guess what!  It is an easy way to eat!  No wheat, that's it.  No bread.    So?  I can live without bread.  No pasta, hummmm.....well I guess I can live without linguine with clam sauce.  I can live without chicken and noodles....I think.


Well, I am on day nine.  I am still alive!  I have survived and it is no problem.  I feel like I am doing something positive about my discomfort.  As a matter of fact, I feel better already!  I am moving more fluidly and no pain!  I had no idea it would happen this fast.


It happened in such a sneaky way.  I didn't realize how much better I am until John and I were talking about it and voila!  I said, "hey... wait"  I feel better already!  


The next action I have taken in increasing my physical activity.  I am not sitting and reading all the time.  I am getting up and walking. I walked for about eight blocks with no discomfort!  This is tremendous!  I hope to get to the point that I walk a minimum of an hour daily.  


The weather is beautiful and is conducive to walking.  Arthur is going to have to chase me to get me down again!  Now, if I could just get rid of these crooked fingers.....  hehehe.  


I still must have the surgery on my thumb this Tuesday.  I have totally ruined that joint.  But guess what????  I will be able to enjoy my fiber art once again.  Life is good!  


I have put my life in perspective in the scope of all life.  A fellow blogger is fighting Lymphoma.  She will have surgery on Wednesday.  


Another blogger, at the age of thirty eight just lost her husband to a heart attack.  Sure makes my life simple, doesn't it.  


Yesterday, I wrote about the buds of life and the process we go through in living our lives.  I am so thankful for God and His blessings and His COMFORT in times of stress and need.  


My prayer for each of you is that your days to come are enriched with his love and blessings.  


God bless....N