Riding with Arthritis

Listed in this post will be some ideas to help you enjoy your ride and hopefully make it more comfortable to enjoy riding down the trail, in the arena or where ever your adventures take you. As with all sports activities, you should always be honest with your health care provider so they may guide you for safe activities regarding your individual health. ( OK that is my only disclaimer)
TIPS for the Pre-Ride:

• Make sure that you have a buddy to ride with you in case something should happen
• Allow plenty of time to do all activities. Sometimes on "bad days" you don't realize how slow you move and you need to plan out time restraints, especially in a group
• make sure you carry a water bottle for hydration, even in winter. Many medications cause you to be dry.
• One of you should have a cell phone on your "body" not the saddle horn or saddle bags ( this is in case you get separated from your horse)
• Know your limits. If its a bad pain day "forgive yourself" don't push it...that is how accidents happen
• If its a bad day and you're at the barn...switch over to ground work or just doing a "spa day" for your horse. Many therapists will tell you there is benefit to just brushing your horse.
• Evaluate your tack/saddle/bridle. Is it light weight, can you lift it, Does your horse lower their head for you? If you can't saddle your horse you may consider a lighter saddle, or ask for assistance on bad days.
• Once you are tacked up...how are you going to mount?  start using a step stool. a solid variety so that the horse cannot get their legs tangled up while you are mounting.  there are different heights available.
• Make sure your horse will stand quietly at the mounting block. very important as your balance and strength is limited. In the beginning have a friend hold your horse to steady them until he can do it confidently by yourself.
• If your horse has high energy or you haven't ridden in a while ...use the round pen or longe him first. It only takes 10 mins and you can tell a lot about your horse's behavior before you step up in the saddle.
• Tighten that cinch at least 2 times before mounting...they all hold their breath....

TIPS for the Ride:

• If your going to ride in the arena, work on stretching , flexing ,bending exercises for you and your horse. Your Therapist can design exercises specifically for your situation and will make it more fun for you to do.
• Have a goal to achieve, vary the routine. Ride with friends on the same level. Follow the leader actually seems to work well. Use obstacles, poles and barrels to ride around to keep it interesting.
• If you haven't ridden or ride on a regular basis I would limit time to 30 mins so you don't get sore.
• If you are going out on the trail plan for how long you want to be gone. remember if it is one hour out, its one hour back!! Take 5 min breaks either on or off the horse. Vibration and motion of your horse can be  positive for your muscles but if you over-do it you will be cursing by the end of the ride. Travel with an experienced trail horse and rider. Horses are herd animals and if your buddy is calm then you will be calm. I prefer an older horse ( 14 yrs or older) they have usually been there, done that attitude.
• Remember to take any medications that are needed. Carry saddle bags. Remember on  the trail you are out away from civilization. Always keep A list of allergies and meds, medical conditions with you .
• I have found it beneficial to use a sheepskin saddle cover for added hip comfort. You can trial any of the various types, but the thicker the better.
• I have also found it beneficial and more comfortable to go to a bigger seat/size in saddle to accommodate the hip position. Once you have surgery, you will actually have better leg position, however you need to always point your toe/foot forward to avoid undue pressure on the Teflon socket. Some riders have switched back to english or australian saddles

AFTER THE RIDE:

• Dismount using a block again....you will be stiff and this will help reduce the shock on knee joints. Be prepared for the knees to hurt a little as they now absorb the pressure from the hip.
• After taking off tack , rest by sitting down for about 10 mins before going onto the next activity. I was always able to run around and fly threw my "horse chores" but now its slower and you need to pace yourself or this isn't fun anymore.
• Think about your body mechanics with everything you do. always think about how to reduce your body and joint stress.
• Make sure your horse is ground "respectful" and does not push on you as your balance my not be steady. I have found using my handy stick or carring a small crop with me in my horse invades "my bubble". Ground work and manners are the key for being a "handicapped rider"

The day is over and you have spent precious time with your "buddy" and good friends. I hope you took lots of pictures, and plan for your next ride.
Stay tuned for future blogs. " My first over night trip post hip surgery" Camping with friends
Happy trails and keep smilin :)

Is this the beginning or the end?

So here I sit again...One year later awaiting a total Hip replacement. I was so happy to finally get back to activities, work, and of course my trusted friend , my horse. Leading up to the last surgery was 9 months of hell. In and out of multiple doctors offices, MRI's pain meds, anti-depressants. It was especially hard as I am a medical professional working long hours on my feet. I spend the days taking care of others and seeing to their needs but who then helps me and see to my needs? At the end of the day my trusty steed, and side kick dogs ( Arty and Lilly) were the only things keeping me together and I trusted the universe, that one day all would be back to normal.
     Like many folks, I had heard horror stories about not being able to ride or doing any active sports again, I had even been told by another doctor not to let anyone do a THR on me ever? However, there comes a point when you can no longer walk, shop in a mall, make it all the way through Walmart to grocery shop, when one decides this is no way to live. Anyone who has been active sports nut or equestrian knows what I'm talking about.  I was fortunate to find a great Orthopedic surgeon who was skilled in the anterior approach to THR. He assured me that the down time would be minimal, less pain and I would not need any rehab. He also assured me that I could go back to riding my faithful friend around 6 weeks. This was great....too good to be true is what I thought. He is my knight in shinning armour.It turns out that the universe was looking after me ...as my now Surgeon was one of our first Liver transplant patients at the group practice where I work. You see...I care for patients who need a liver transplant.
     That was back in 2010. I thrived after surgery, never looking back and all but forgot about all the pain and suffering. It felt good to walk the 2 dogs again, go swimming, and back to riding my horses---yes horses...I have 2. No more pain on riding, although my balance has been a little off and strength weaker on the right....I was still able to push a cow around, ride down the trail and on occasion put my face to the wind at a full gallop. I had recovered so well with the hip, so I decided to sell one of my younger horses to invest in a more stable "steed" that I would be less apt to fall off. I may be adventurous but not stupid as I am in the  over 55 crowd.
      I have been fortunate to connect with a group of ladies around my age at the boarding stable who love to trail ride. One of them, it just so happens, also had a total hip replacement 6 months before I did, however she had the posterior approach. It was great to have someone to talk to and compare notes. When it rained we both complained of aches and pains , but just laughed and shrugged it off as we were both elated to be "back in the saddle  again".  The only words the surgeon told me after my surgery was to always keep the knee bent just slightly when getting on or off my horse. He recommended that I place my saddle on the back of my couch and practice before getting on my horse. I also now use a taller mounting block.
     So how is it that I am sitting here again, missing my evenings with my horses, play time with the dogs. Well...Let me caution you readers about the long term use of steroids. while they are life saving in many situations they are not without risks and long term consequences.  Unfortunately I was diagnosed with some type of Autoimmune disorder, not Lupus , not Rheumatoid but along the same family. It never really was decided, but after multiple testings, MRI,CT scans and declining mobility and pain i was started on Humera and Prednisone back in 2007.  Worked like "a charm" was relatively pain free, able to function and life was good. Unfortunately throughout the past 20 years i had been on and off steroids for this "mystery disease" and therefore became pretty "steroid dependent". So...long story short...the steroids caused a breakdown in the bones and destroyed the joints along with the arthritis, which we were trying to slow down and prevent destruction. A definite double-edged sword.  Would I do this again knowing the now outcome of 2 total hip replacements?  probably. People will do what is needed at the time. You make decisions based on the information at hand and you hope it is the right decision. I am a fighter and don't want to give up....Many of my friends over the years have nicked named me "the ever ready bunny" as I just keep going and going, and keep riding, working and doing despite warnings from neurosurgeons ( of which I have retired 3).
My other nickname is "flip top head" but that is another horse riding story to tell....
     So today is, I hope the beginning and not the end to my mobility....Surgery is scheduled in 10 days...I will have another anterior THR. Stayed tuned for this part 2 journey as I discover how to be "a bionic titanium woman"

Happy trails for today and keep smilin:)