I'm not superwoman

Starburst

I've had one of those days when I thought I could do it all. I really should know better by now. I've been enjoying the gym, it's been a great way to channel my energy but it appears I have overdone it. After each session, I've quickly recovered but the accumulation has suddenly hit. I had recently noticed some lumps of bone appearing and my feet have changed (confirmed by rheum nurse) but as I knew I cannot reverse damage, I didn't think to reassess my exercise plan. "Didn't think" - story of my life!

The combination of the gym, walking the dog and doing chores (seriously, Sophie, when will you learn?!) meant that I was only partway through a lovely night out when my feet began to swell and ache. I thought slipping my shoes off would help but they continued to balloon. Obviously taking my shoes off was a bad idea in the heat! Thankfully, we managed to alter our route home to avoid too much walking. The London Underground is grim at the best of times and I had no shoes on!

I feel silly, oh so silly. I am also a little perplexed at feet nearly double their usual size. I've taken my emergency Tramadol tablets, had a nice soak and I am sitting with elevated feet and ice packs. Fingers crossed for sleep and smaller feet tomorrow. Oh and also that common sense returns, so normal sensible service can resume.

Numptydumpty

Oh dear! How are your feet now?
Yes it is silly to overdo things, but we all do it now and then, and some of us probably never learn!
I over did things yesterday, and as a consequence can barely move today. It's my own fault, I knew I was doing too much, but it felt ok at the time, and I think we all get fed up with being sensible.
Anyhow, it sounds as though you're doing all the right things, I hope the swelling has gone down, and even if it has, take things easy today. You know it makes sense
Take care,
Numpty

dreamdaisy

We all do it, Sophie, even those of us who should know better after nearly twenty years of LWA. Of course we want to do what others do with so little thought or effort (or payback) but it's not for the likes of us. Doesn't stop us doing it, though. I am fortunate to be an elderly arthritic because I no longer care about going out, socialising until all hours etc. but I do feel occasionally resentful about the fact that just getting up can wipe me out for a few hours. Today is one of those days, it's payback for our short time away when I really had to make heroic efforts to keep up with 'im indoors (which included raised amounts of dullers plus daily diclos so I could 'cope'). Hey-ho. There's a law of physics which applies to us: for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction - we specialise in that.

Rest up, things will improve. DD

villier

Yes I think we all overdo it at times Sophie even at my age we never learn(nearly sixty :shock: ) I over indulged on wine last week at my sisters :oops: and am now paying the price with a lovely UTI. I know you are really a sensible girl and hope your sensibility has paid off today at least you wont repeat that again in a hurry...............take care Sophie..................Marie xx

Slosh

All I can say is echo what the others have said.

It's all too easy to get carried away and think we can do that little bit more especially when we are enjoying ourselves or feel we have something to prove. I'm still quite new to this but it seems as though that feeling and desire never quite goes. Hope you start to feel better soon and that your feet start to recover.

barbara12

Sophie, we all do it..and I call it not giving in :? still we suffer, but hopefully after some rest you will feel better.. maybe just cut down the amount you are doing x

LignumVitae

Oh but you are superwoman!
Even Superman puts his underpants on under his trousers some of the time. You are just super woman in a Ms Kent phase. You'll soon be ripping your glasses off and amazing the world again after a bit of time in the day job of life. Rest, you've had a huge wave of activity recently, I bet your course colleagues are resting after the end of year excitement and they don't have arthritis xx

stickywicket

I'm with LV. You are Superwoman, one of several we have on here

I have learned, the hard way, never to take off shoes when feet are swelling. Before a long haul flight I now change into sandals with just two adjustable velcro straps. I can only walk as far as the loo in them but that's enough.

I hope things are a bit better today.

bubbadog

Oh Sophie! We all think hey today I've got loads of energy and do lots quite a bit not recognising those warning signals! So don't feel to silly or give yourself a hard time. Hope your feet have gone down today I know mine give me hell pretty much everyday so finding shoes to fit swollen feet can be hard, sometimes I go out in my slippers if my feet are very swollen!!

Boomer13

Sophie, I still resent the "super" prefix being replaced by "delicate" in my case......Hope your feet are recovering now.

Starburst

Thank you for the comforting words. You are all superpeople.
Sorry, I haven't been back before now. Our internet has been temperamental and I've had a hectic few days. I'm involved in an Amateur Dramatics performance - both on stage and behind the scenes - and that's keeping me busy.

I've taken a break from the gym and gone back to slow and gentle strolls. It seems to have paid off. I am down but not out :!: I think I can just about hobble across the stage tomorrow at my graduation. Pretty shoes are only for photos, trainers for the rest of the day. Vanity will not win this one!

Super arthritis people to the rescue!

lynnoot

I can really empathise with you over the swollen feet. I'm having to soak mine in cool water 2-3 times a day to get some relief. I've also bought Boots cooling foot gel and have some coolspray. What with all that and doing exercises I promised the physio I would do 3 times a day, I don't have time for much else!

Arfur really mucks up your life!

Slosh

S*****l do a lovely crackling ice foot spray, it's really lovely.

Edited by Moderator JK

Starburst

Lynn, you've reminded me about a cooling spray that a physio recommended some time ago. It worked quite well, so I'll give it a whirl again.

stickywicket

So Superwoman even manages am dram while flaring Sophie, you do make me smile with pleasure. You really are an inspiration.

I'm glad the modified regime is helping. I hope it continues.

Starburst

An inspiration? :oops: How kind but really I'm not, I'm just your average girl trying to make the best out of life. I have to say, that despite my ups and downs with RA, I am content with the direction of my life.

I just tried on my pretty graduation shoes and I can't get my feet in them. I am secretly relieved that the decision had been taken out of my hands. Comfy shoes it is! Perhaps I can force them on for the photos if my feet are playing ball tomorrow.

I know I say it often but I mean it; you are all truly amazing people and you make me want to be a better person. This place has given me the confidence and drive to go on and to feel proud of myself. OK, I'll stop gushing now.

dreamdaisy

I concur with Sticky - you are an inspiration. Despite your RA et al you are getting on with life, rather than sitting back and bemoaning your lot. You do not let the disease win, you repeatedly show it who's boss, the words 'self-pity' are not in your vocabulary. You also support others on here which is appreciated. When I feel fed-up with things I think about you and your attitude, and then sort myself out. DD