Rebecca Gillett: We have a segment where listeners can ask questions, and we post it on social media. We did post some questions and say, “What questions would you have for our experts?” And, you know, I’m not surprised that we didn’t get a lot of questions, because I think people are afraid to post those questions publicly. One person said, “Good topic. What are some positions that those of us with arthritis should avoid?” She has osteoarthritis.
Iris, I love what you said
Victoria Ruffing, RN-BC: If you have osteoarthritis, then you may have had a hip replacement or a knee replacement. And obviously, or hopefully, your physical therapist has told you to what degree that joint should go. And taught you some precautions for those joints. So, you don’t wanna go beyond that. Think back to what your physical therapist may have told you. Positions to avoid? I can’t think offhand of what to avoid, except if it makes you uncomfortable, avoid it.
Victoria Ruffing, RN-BC: If there’s discomfort involved, you don’t want to do something that’s really hurting your hips or hurting your knees. One thing to remember is, you do not have to be an acrobat. Nobody needs you to be an acrobat. It may look good on TV, but that is not happening.
I mean, ler revisГЈo there’s “Shades of Gray.” There’s no spontaneous “it’s on,” the candles are there, and there’s (laughing) the great music and everything, because the kids are knocking at the door, the dogs are barking, you’re falling off the bed, somebody’s farting.
Iris Zink, NP: It’s just never works out like that. That’s why having a sense of humor is so important. I would say the same thing for osteoarthritis, there’s no position that is taboo or that you shouldn’t do. It’s about doing stuff that doesn’t cause you to have intense nerve pain going down your legs.
Comforting yourself with pillows would be fabulous. It’s just about being wise about how things are going. Hopefully they’ve seen an occupational therapist so they’re not, you know, putting so much pressure on their thumb because they’re holding themselves on the bed. It’s doing things that are not hurting you, that you don’t have pain afterwards.
Pete Scalia: It’s just amazing, like you even mentioned, like that swing. And I think of how incredibly practical that would be (laughing) for someone with arthritis. But the thing is, with three kids, how do you convince ’em that it’s not for them? Why is there suddenly, there’s this amazing swing, or floating Papasan chair or something and that’s: No, that’s mommy and daddy’s special chair. I guess, you know, gotta explain it.
Pete Scalia: I just start thinking of, if you are having issues with mobility or something, it would solve so many problems. I don’t know, where we can get one of those into the home of everyone in the country somehow, but… (laughing)
To be able to make sure that you’re maintaining that level of intimacy, to keep that relationship strong, right?
Rebecca Gillett: Take away that gravity piece. You’ve gotta have a sense of humor in navigating all of this. You have to have a sense of adventure and openness and willingness to talk about it with your partner. And I think it’s such an important piece. So, I’m really, really glad that we were able to have this conversation today and appreciate you guys joining me in the conversation.
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