Thank you for caring and Alexander Technique

smillajasperson

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to say thankyou very much for making me feel so welcome when I first posted a few days ago saying I had just been diagnosed with OA in my back and right knee. I was in so much pain and feeling utterly wretched and sorry for myself, and hadn't had any helpful advice from my doctors at all over the last year - it was just heres some more pills, try them, now go away! Well the new prescription didn't offer any pain relief either, but I do feel better and am managing ok. I am feeling more positive and determined to do all I can to help myself - with all you good peoples help!

I am going to join my local arthritis support group, I am going to lose the 2 stone I know I need to as I believe this would help considerably (the doctor has never mentioned my weight!) and I shall continue with my chiropractor as I feel she is the only one who has helped at all in the last 12 years.

Now, does anyone know anything about the Alexander Technique? I have been reading about this and wonder if this could help me at all. Am I right in thinking that OA sufferers aren't afflicted with flare-ups in the same way as RA sufferers are? If this is correct then I must be doing something to bring on these crippling attacks that leave me almost bedridden with cronically painful spasms that last several weeks? I have tried to think back to any foolish things I might have done that could trigger this and can ususally think of nothing. I try to be careful about not lifting or carrying anything too heavy that might set it off, but I wonder whether years of being in moderate pain mean I walk funny, or twist myself or in some other way compensate by moving awkwardly? Any ideas or suggestions?

Inbetween these bouts I can at least do my work - I am a self employed home help and only work part-time, spacing my jobs so as not to get too tired or strain myself, but need to work 7 days of the week to put in enough hours for WT Credit purposes. I must find a way of managing my pain so I can continue my work as being self employed I do not receive any benefits for the times I'm not fit enough to go.

I think this website is great and cannot believe the kindness of the 9 total strangers that responded to my first posting and offered friendship and understanding at a low point when I felt so alone. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart - your warmth has touched me - and I hope I can do the same at sometime for even one person!

Love to you all. Smillajasperson xx

vonski

Hi

I thought about trying this years ago but ended up going to an osteopath instead! I went for years and years, to scared to stop and spent a fortune. I think the Alenxander technique might have been better. From what I remember they helped with posture and breathing rather than just jumping on you. Much more gentle, using your mind to combat pain as well as gentle exercise, a more holistic approach I might be wrong, it is a long time ago. I will watch this thread with interest.

Love
Vonskix

valval

doc told me i had oarthritus and i get quite bad flare ups she gave me anti inflam tabs 4 them so must b part of it

elnafinn

Hi Smilla

I was one of the people to welcome you and I am so pleased that this forum has helped you as it does me. That is why I log in many times a day when I am home and passing the pc because I know what it can mean to receive welcoming messages and words of sympathy and advice.

If I could find someone near me who teaches the Alexander Technique, I would be there like a shot. I know that I have a slight curvature of the spine and one leg slightly longer than the other and although it is not apparent to others I am sure this has caused many of my ailments - incorrect posture goes a long way to causing pain.

Being a home help can be hard, physical work - I have done some in my time and know we push ourselves physically to help others. This is fine when we are well but in time if we are prone to back trouble/arthritis etc it rears its ugly head later. I feel learning correct posture which is what I believe the Alexander Techique is , would help me, I am sure.

Keep smiling

Luv
Elna