I have been suffering with multiple forms of arthritis for the past 30 years. The past 8 years I have been under the great care of Chicago Rheumatologist Dr. Richard Pope. I started casual jogging about 3 years ago and was always encouraged by Dr. Pope to run as long as it made me feel better. This past Sunday I ran the Chicago Marathon, all 26.2 miles and I can honestly say this is the best I’ve felt in the past 10 years. Crossing that finish line was a victory for me over my RA. Running allows me to help control my weight and keeps my joints loose and flexible. I know marathons aren’t for everyone, but even light to moderate exercise will help you physically and more than that help you mentally. Crossing the finish line in a 5K race or one longer will bring a smile to your face and if you are like me, a tear to your eye. Good luck everyone and keep thinking positive.
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Marathon
- By running-stan
- Posted October 13, 2009 at 4:55 pm · 4 replies
- In Living with rheumatoid arthritis
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Exercise Surgery Arthritis Plaquenil Pain Peripheral neuropathy Osteoarthritis
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- By fish_server
- Posted October 14, 2009 at 8:31 am
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Good for you!! I don't have RA, but moderate exercise and weight loss have helped with all the aches and pains of osteoarthritis and aging. I just did 5.3 miles on the treadmill and feel great. I don't know if I want to do a marathon, but it's great that you did. Yes, you do have to keep on thinking positively,
- By imhappy
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 3:47 pm
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I will have to try exercising more. I have heard it helps with pain. My rheumy says we need to start treatment for RA yet, but I don't like the idea of starting steroids. I got my RA diagnosis in Jul 09. I am allergic to methatrexate and get sick taking plaquenil. I don't know what's next. I should ask the doc when I get in to see her. In the mean time, I'll start walking more.
Paula
- By running-stan
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 5:31 pm
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Exercise is great and I hope it helps you as much as it did for me. I rarely get steroids, only after bad flairups or like the last time as we tried to lower my meds. Listen to your doc but don't be afraid to do your own research and bring up different options to her attention. Good luck
- By Tagmike
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 12:30 pm
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Hi Stan, this is inspirational. I've recently committed to run/wal a halg marathon but not until 2011. I'm coming off a major surgery and a diagnoses og osteo arthiritis and peripheral neuropathy. This will be a slow workup for me, I plan to just push myself a bit instead of trying to do too much too soon. Thanks for the post and best wishes.
-mike
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