Arthritis and the Tin Man

As I age and arthritis sets up more camps in my joints, I have a higher level of empathy for the Tin Man. Like the Tin Man there are mornings that I feel as if moving or getting out of bed may be my greatest accomplishment of the day.

Arthritis was first diagnosed in my hip in my 20’s. The physician recommended that I reduce my physical activities and rest more. Thankfully my subconscious allowed me to ignore the recommendation of the Physician who smelled of cigarettes and was morbidly obese. I am sure this physician meant well, and perhaps at that time this was the standard course of treatment.

Medical research and my own body tell me that I need to keep moving. Like the Tin Man our joints need oil, for the Tin Man 10W40 works well, for us it's our synovial fluid. Like all oils they need heat in order to lubricate, I know that I need to ignore my thoughts that suggest I just stay in bed or sit on the couch for a while. I need to get up, heat up and oil up my joints with exercise.