what hobbies/activities have you had to give up

englishrose
englishrose Member Posts: 99
edited 22. Jul 2009, 08:27 in Living with Arthritis archive
I am wondering how we are all affected
. Also what new hobbies have replaced those lost. I have had to give up bowling (flat green) and can no longer do long walks. I am searching for alternatives.

Comments

  • suncatcher
    suncatcher Member Posts: 2,174
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have had the opposite swimming i did as a child and i supported my kids swimming now i have time to go back to a once major hobby of mine and swim again just for me. I also do card making now which i did not do and jewellry makeing my hubby was the one with hobbies not me and now i am re dicovering and adding new ones. also creative writing i did not do only at school and now i go to a creative writing group. I was a mom first still am but now time for me is happening now i dont work so a new exciting life is emmerging. I had used to love dancing i get tired quicker now but still have a boogy. I am going to try pilots and body balance which is tai chi pilates and yoga mixed togeather but will do that in september when little one is tucked saftly at school all me keeping wellish that is joanne
    Joanne
  • ninakang
    ninakang Member Posts: 1,367
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was quite lazy exercise wise before I got RA. Years agi before the girls were born I did step aerobics 3 times a week but then you know what happens when kids arrive, you get stuck into balancing work and looking after them. My youngest started school last September and I was getting quite lazy. When I found out I had RA, I decided that I wouldn't let it beat me - like Rehab says you use it or lose it.

    For the past couple of months I have been taking my girls swimming every Sunday morning and I do at least two aerobics classes a week, I have a workout and swim card for our local gym/ pool which is £25 a month, very value for money as I can do as much as I like. I'm back doing step aerobics once a week (although I don't jump anymore, too much strain on my joints) and I've discovered pilates which I would recommend to anyone with difficulty moving. Even on an off day, I go, tell the tutor and take it easy but I feel better for going.

    It's an effort fitting in 3 kids with school and activities and working full time, but I've made this MY hobby, it's for ME. We all deserve it :-)

    Nx
  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    The thing I miss the most is going for long walks in the countryside with my husband. We had several favourite walks which I can no longer attempt, so I feel sad about that. It is difficult because my husband is very fit, and he can walk and cycle for miles, but now he has to go with our son or other people, and I hate being left behind. We do go for short walks together, but it isn't the same.

    One good thing is that I have rediscovered painting, and I have joined an excellent class. I am enjoying it very much. I also go to computer classes, so at least I'm keeping my brain working.

    Joan
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  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I loved doing tapestry, but cannot manage it with my hands, long walks anywhere, weekends away because I can't drive and Malcolm is epileptic, I can't even stand in the kitchen for long periods so Malcolm has to do most of the cooking, window shopping love Jaspercatxx
  • auntie
    auntie Member Posts: 41
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi!

    I was just discovering that skiing is SO much fun when I was diagnosed this year - I have only been skiing once, and it just a few days after I discovered that I had "fluid on the knee" as I thought it was back then - I'm really annoyed to have had to give something up that I'd just found and really enjoyed, and I'm determined that one day when I'm on the right meds I'll be able to do it again!

    On the other hand I have taken up photography. I was quite a lazy person before arthritis (books rather than gyms is more my style!) but I'm coming round to the idea that exercise really is the best medicine - in moderation!
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, Well, I have had to stop knitting for a the time as I have had Carpel tunnel surgery, but I hope to get back to it in a few months!
    The main thing is really long walks. We are just off to the lake district and I loved getting up high. I can still walk a fair way, but I can't do the distences or get up very high. I have to be careful with the gardening, I used to do a lot, but I only potter now. Also I can't drive for too long as I get so stiff.

    I count myself as lucky, so far as I don't have to give up too much or can find new ways of doing things. I can no longer do the job I loved as a care assistant, thats the biggest sacrifice so far.

    Love Sue
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    keep fit to pain full in the end :cry: . long walks. stick to short ones now. read but paper backs hard backs to heavy :( . took up tia chi does not hurt joints. :)
    val
  • debatat
    debatat Member Posts: 659
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I used to cycle for miles, as a family we would cycle out, have a pub luch and home again. I miss that. I also used to play footie with the boys, although they are too old for that now, I am just an embarrassment! I also used to do reflexology and aromatherapy massages but I am unable to do this anymore.

    I have taken up sudoko to keep my brain active and reading, but am still looking for exercise that suits. Gentle walking is all I can manage.

    Deb
  • suzster
    suzster Member Posts: 1,328
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i have had to dive up the long walks with my oh and children. we used to go wandering all round the country side around us, discovering hidden paths and mad horses!!!
    now i only manage short walks, but i have to keep taking extra meds or i seize up!!!

    i miss sewing, i was never an expert butr used to make little outfits for my daughters sindys, that kind of thing. i got given a sewing machine so try to do little bits. i made my little one a cot quilt cover a while back, she loves thomas the tank engine but i couldn't find any cot bedding any where so bought a single thomas quilt cover (in a charity shop but still brand new, what a find!) and cut it down to make a cot size one, it was my biggest project but she loves it!
    i also make those toilet roll dolls, i think they are great, but mine are a bit different, i made a goth style one in black and i gave her long hair extentions a few years back, to fiddley to do now though!
  • c4thyg
    c4thyg Member Posts: 542
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Work was always my hobby. I used to do microsurgery but the PsA in my hands and back cost me my job last year. My last job was desk based and it wasn't the same. I really miss all the hands on stuff. I'm looking towards doing some scientific copy editing now and have just sent a job application off. I've found since not working that I really need something to keep my mind occupied and Sudoko just isn't cutting it any more!!!

    I found it very interesting reading about what you guys do as new hobbies because I need to find some desperately but have been at a loss. I guess I was a workaholic and now that's gone I feel like I don't exist. I've been reading a lot more than before but still need more to fill my time and prevent the frustration.
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 9,182
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone.
    I used to have my own horse i rode for 24 years only stopped be cause of getting older.
    i love walking but i cannot walk very far now i've got a scoota and i can still take my dog for a walk.
    i also go to the gym twice a week and i go on the tredmill bike and ball.
    joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • lindah
    lindah Member Posts: 445
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello,I had to give up quilting and hand sewn patchwork,couldn't hold needles anymore.Use the machine instead.
    Can still knit but only a little at a time.I still do the garden but in different ways,paying for it today as a matter of fact.
    Since my meds have started to kick in I am also attending the gym and walking shorter walks at the weekend.
    Winter time I have all the gubbins to do some scrapbooking,must find a use for the thousands of photos I take/
    I also make cards myself for friends and familiy's birthdays etc.
    Then most important of course I joined this forum and can't pass a day without my fix.
    Linda H 8)
  • pussycat
    pussycat Member Posts: 36
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have given uo knitting and several other handicrafts due to RA. However on the advice of some forum members I have taken up card making and I am well underway creating Christmas Cards to send out this year.
    Baking is getting harder for me but I keep adding to my 'kitchen gadget's' and at the minute I can still cope. Best kitchen appliance I have ever bought is my slow cooker what a god send for feeding the family :D

    I am finding reading quite hard just now but my daughter suggested that I use her old music stand for reading (and for recipe books while cooking :D ), as I can adjust the height very easily. :D

    Most of the outdoor activities I enjoyed such as sailing , hiking, have vanished from my hobbylist several years ago. Though I have found some new gentler hobbies to fill my time.
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Don't sew so much, but have some curtains and a duvet to make. I would need to get down on the floor to spread the material out etc.etc. Then there is the weight of them whilst putting them through the m/c. A bit of a challenge but I think I'll get there. When my CTS is sorted
    Use to make all my own furnishings once upon a time including all my daughter's clothes. I love embroidery now don't do it. When I was about 14, remember watching one of my aunts doing embroidery. Her hands were knobbly and twisted with RA, but she still managed to embroider beautiful little handkerchief etc and you couldn't tell the right side from the wrong. Wonderful person, puts me to shame. And she taught me how to make lace.
    Walking. use to love planning holidays where we could walk. Don't book exotic places anymore because of allthe steep steps and cobbled streets. I need lifts everywhere now. In fact, it's difficult to plan anything in advance anymore.
    I am trying to get out and about with my grandchildren again. I forced myself to go out with them yesterday and walked at least 2 miles round a theme park near us. Had a lovely day. Taking them out again tomorrow, and I played a bit of footie with them. Great fun and certainly made us all laugh. Suffering today though.trying to catch up with the housework.
    Reading. Holding to book is difficult. OH working on it.

    Now, I do have my painting and although sometimes it is difficult, you can lose yourself into your picture. Put some lovely music on and it's heaven. I really push myself sometimes.
    Drinking. Use to love wine and spirits. Now I can't because of my medication etc. Just have the odd one now and again. You lose your taste for it somehow.
    Driving: Can't drive at the mo. 1. it's off the road with OH trying to do lots of welding. If it fails MOT again, we think it will be a new chassis. 2. Unable to drive because of my medication making me drowsy. 3. I don't think I could hold the steering wheel at the mo. Certainly couldn't change gears. again, waiting for CTS outcome. Will know week on Friday. perhaps

    joyful
  • wendylou
    wendylou Member Posts: 88
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    englishrose wrote:
    I am wondering how we are all affected
    . Also what new hobbies have replaced those lost. I have had to give up bowling (flat green) and can no longer do long walks. I am searching for alternatives.
    Hi I used to go linedancing and i was always dancing when i heard music but know thats stopped and i used to love walking all stopped as i have O/A of the hips, know im'e reduced to card making but still it keeps my mind going i get so engrossed it helps sometimes to forget the pain :wink: Wendylou.
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    wendylou wrote:
    englishrose wrote:
    I am wondering how we are all affected
    . Also what new hobbies have replaced those lost. I have had to give up bowling (flat green) and can no longer do long walks. I am searching for alternatives.
    Hi I used to go linedancing and i was always dancing when i heard music but know thats stopped and i used to love walking all stopped as i have O/A of the hips, know im'e reduced to card making but still it keeps my mind going i get so engrossed it helps sometimes to forget the pain :wink: Wendylou.


    Hi Wendylou

    I had to give up dancing about 5 years ago. I was just getting use to Line Dancing. Loved it. But couldn't put heel down on floor because the arthritis had got into my archeles heel and ankles.

    I would have difficulty doing the cards. My fingers are very sore and have problems picking things up, but I'm fascinated at the many bits and pieces that are on sale for making cards and the beautiful colours and patterns in the card you can buy. There is a small Company near us called A14 Paper Company. I think they are on the internet. Very reasonable prices and they would post out.

    I think if I had this Carpul Tunnel S in my right hand I would be devastated. I wouldn't be able to do my art. Have a bit of bother now because of the pain from the elbow but if I strap it up, I get by.

    Happy card making

    joyful
  • bailey27
    bailey27 Member Posts: 689
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I use to run half marathons and go to the gym. I have had to cut back a lot and give up the running. I am determined this is only a temporary set back as I enjoy it so much and I find jogging helps relieve stress and makes me feel good (apart from the morning after!). I wouldn't say I hae given these hobbies up because it would get me down. I am simply having a long break!
  • buffycat
    buffycat Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi all....

    first of all....i have to say that it is extremely sad when we have to give up our hobby, something that we really enjoy, which in those times of pain, could be such a lift to us.

    For me, after my husband (!), music is the love of my life. I grew up wanting to be a musician and play in an orchestra....i found it so easy to learn the violin and clarinet....went and did a music degree, got my performance and teaching diploma.....started work in an office to fund further training, met husband, got married, and then, bang.....the RA came.....

    to begin with i could still play....but over the last 6 years, my elbows, shoulders and wrists have become progressively worse.....the thought of picking up my violin brings me close to tears now, not just because i can no longer play, but because i feel that my RA has robbed me of many happy hours of playing music....

    i can still listen to music obviously, but the euphoria that goes alongside playing as part of an orchestra or group.....it hurts when i realise that i may never get to do it again.....

    i can dream though....maybe one day
  • englishrose
    englishrose Member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for your responses. It is sad to think that so many have to make big changes.
    I can no longer knit and had sewing has to be very limited. However I have been developing ny skills with machine enbroidery and machine quilting and have achieved a fair measure of success and I shall continue with that. I do miss physical activities greatly - perhaps things will improve.
    Lets all keep trying.
    Jane
  • bailey27
    bailey27 Member Posts: 689
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    buffycat wrote:
    hi all....

    first of all....i have to say that it is extremely sad when we have to give up our hobby, something that we really enjoy, which in those times of pain, could be such a lift to us.

    For me, after my husband (!), music is the love of my life. I grew up wanting to be a musician and play in an orchestra....i found it so easy to learn the violin and clarinet....went and did a music degree, got my performance and teaching diploma.....started work in an office to fund further training, met husband, got married, and then, bang.....the RA came.....

    to begin with i could still play....but over the last 6 years, my elbows, shoulders and wrists have become progressively worse.....the thought of picking up my violin brings me close to tears now, not just because i can no longer play, but because i feel that my RA has robbed me of many happy hours of playing music....

    i can still listen to music obviously, but the euphoria that goes alongside playing as part of an orchestra or group.....it hurts when i realise that i may never get to do it again.....

    i can dream though....maybe one day

    Hi,
    Have you considered teaching???
    There is such a shortage of dedicated music teachers out there.
    (I use to teach PE and know first hand how difficult it is to get people to go into schools and teach music)
    You may not be able to play but maybe having the satisfaction of sharing your talent with someone else may bring you as much happiness.
  • debbieclap
    debbieclap Member Posts: 109
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I feel lucky reading your posts I have OA had to give up playing the guitar cannot get cumfey sitting can't walk far so no walks
    I can still knit which is good
    Debbie
  • fayrose
    fayrose Member Posts: 241
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Horseriding, sadly had to give that up. I used to walk for miles at a reasonable pace - having very active dogs that need to be out - and although I still take them out for long walks, I'm much, much slower than before.
    We are lucky to have a wonderful group of folks locally who have organised a 'swimming for disabled people' group and we swim in the summer on Saturday afternoons - for a very cheap fee.
    They have managed to negotiate an hour for us with no-one else in the pool which makes so much difference, and we have volunteer life guards, mostly young folks who give up an hour on Sat afternoons for us. Wonderful generous people, we are lucky indeed. :D

    I'm also still able to paint/draw and that is my salvation when I'm feeling fed up and sorry for myself.
  • buffycat
    buffycat Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi bailey....

    i'm actually a qualified teacher, but always said that i would go to that as a fallback. I work in IT now, which in all honesty, pays better than teaching.

    don't think i have the patience to teach in a school though! in terms of instrumental teaching, i would still have to play.....very limited, esp with my wrists at the moment....can't 'twist' them....

    so...i'll still with the ipod and odd concert for enjoyment for now....

    thanks for your kind words though.....must admit i was having a bad day when i wrote my last post......

    .... :roll:

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