Hey there!
Just introducing myself and saying hello. I'm 31 years old, an actor and voiceover artist living in New York City.
Was diagnosed with PsA in 2005. Did methotrexate and Humira ... experienced stroke-like symptoms as a side effect of the Humira and ultimately had to discontinue treatment, despite experiencing a huge improvement in my pain profile. Currently I am self-medicating with ibuprofen and hoping that my liver and kidneys will forgive me some day.
About two years ago, I started to experience real trouble with mobility. Debilitating pain in my knees, ankles and feet. Basically, I can no longer walk without limping, stairs are an impossible task and I find it difficult to stand for more than 10 minutes.
Living in New York City, where it's a completely pedestrian lifestyle and being an actor - where I need to be on stage for 3 hours or at a television studio for 18 hours ... it's really, really started to impact my life in a big way.
I went to see an orthopedic surgeon in addition to the rheumy that I have been seeing since 2005. After some X-Rays and MRIs we discovered a few things. Firstly, my left knee joint has completely disintegrated ... there's almost nothing left there. And the right one is not looking much better. I am going to need a total knee replacement, probably in both very soon. To make matters worse, they also discovered that I have a coalition in my left foot - completely unrelated to the arthritis - but it's an extra bone, that I was born with, that has now essentially pushed my foot bones, heel, ankle and everything else connected to it out of alignment.
Talking about winning the orthopedic lottery.
I am a pasta loving Italian and come from a big family of yellers and eaters. I know that being overweight didn't cause my arthritis, but it is not helping matters. The surgeon suggested that I lose 80-100 pounds in order to set up my new replaced joints for success.
I am currently seeing a nutritionist/health coach - but I am really struggling with losing weight. For some reason, I am really having trouble connecting the fact that what I put in my mouth could eventually contribute to me walking again, feeling better and more importantly - walking around the city I love and working. (Come see me on Broadway in 3 years with my new bionic knee!)
So, I am looking for support, encouragement, tips and tricks, stories from anyone else who also had joint replacements about what I can do before, during and after to set myself up for success, and just a place to vent. Sometimes I feel like my body has just thrown me under the bus, but I know that's not a healthy attitude to have. We're in this together and we've got to take care of each other.
Anyway, that's me. So, hello!