May 26, 2013 – by Rich Kennedy

Osteoarthritis:  Comparison of a Typical Day in 2009 versus 2013

2009 – Before Dr. Nels Carlson (OHSU) and Aaron Saari PT (Beyond The Clinic)

Morning:  Get out of bed at 8:30-9:00am, drink coffee and read the newspaper, eat breakfast, take a nap, wake up and read or browse the internet.

Afternoon:  Read and/or browse the internet.  Take a nap.

Evening:  Eat dinner, wash dishes, watch TV and read.  Go to bed.

Note:  In 2009 I had been retired one year.  I spend most of my time reading, recovering from spine surgeries, and waiting to feel better.  Discomfort levels ranged from 6 to 9 out of a 10 point scale (0=pain free, 10=emergency room pain).  Feeling better never happened.

(Vs.)

2013 – After Dr. Nels Carlson (OHSU) and Aaron Saari PT (Beyond The Clinic)

Morning:  Get out of bed at 6:30-7:00am, drink coffee, read newspaper, eat breakfast, make the bed and vacuum the whole house.  Go do my stretching exercises, and climb 23 sets of stairs at the local high school football stadium.

Afternoon:  Eat lunch, spend about 3 hours washing exterior windows and screens.

Evening:  Grill dinner, wash dishes, watch Masterpiece Mystery DVD, Read.  Go to Bed.

Note:  In 2013 I lead a full and diverse life.  I have the strength, flexibility and endurance to engage in daily exercise, household projects, travel, hiking and just about anything else my wonderful wife thinks of for us to do.  Discomfort levels range from 4 to 7 out of 10.  I’m feeling better now than anytime in the last 5 years.

If you have questions, comments or concerns, you may reach me at Rich_Kennedy1945@yahoo.com.