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Osteoarthritis
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Posted 2/15/2017 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Well, the gardening season is almost here. I spent less than 20 minutes pulling weeds the other day and then my back went out.

I'm hoping to find some solutions on how to work with this limitation so I can continue to garden.

Also, xrays show mild arthritis in my spine and hips. Would mild arthritis cause your back to lock up with severe pain like someone hit you in a certain spot with a sledge hammer?
Posted 2/17/2017 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi GrammyG, I happened to see your post & wanted to respond. I have very bad arthritis in my entire spine & in my joints. Some of it is from the natural aging process & others from injuries. I love working outside but have to do really pace myself or else I am not going to be getting out of bed the next day.

My major yard work is done by my yard guy. I have some beds that are small & I try to tend to them. The main thing I can say is having the proper yard tools to make the job easier. Its a matter of finding the ones that fit you the best. I pull weeds with a long handled version of the small hand held one for instance, I have a weed puller that I step on & pull back, no bending involved. Mine came from Home Dept. Anything that makes my work easier I buy it. I enjoy being outside. I have a dust pan that is long handled & use it a lot outside.

I use Salon Pas patches for back & hip pain & I also use Tiger Balm & rub it on before I go out & after my shower. If I didn't my knees would swell so bad it would make it difficult to stand up the next day. To answer your question about arthritis & pain, absolutely.

Ease yourself into the gardening at first & pick up the pace as you go. Take care.
Posted 2/18/2017 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Susie!
Thank you for replying! I'm sorry you deal with so much pain! It sure sounds like you have found a way to still do what you enjoy while working around the pain. Good for you!

I liked your recommendations about the hand tools. I sure wish I could see some pictures of what you are talking about but I'll do some searches in Home Depot and see what I can find.

Interesting about the Tiger Balm. I'll check into it!

I planted some seeds 2 days ago. I sat on the ground while I was planting, hoping it would be easier on my back. The next morning my back tried to go out again. Sigh. I'm going to have my granddaughter come over to help me pull weeds in a few weeks.

I have been watching videos on YouTube about disabled gardening and I'm also finding help in what I am watching.

Thanks again for your help!
Posted 2/18/2017 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Grammy, my garden tools are all long handled because bending over is out of the question for me. Rather than sitting on the ground get yourself a cushion to sit on & if you have a couple of old towels fold them to give a little extra padding.

Both of my yard tools I spoke about came from Home Depot. My long handled dust pan came from there too with a short broom. I ditched the broom, lol, I was interested in the dust pan, lol.

Take care.
Posted 2/18/2017 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Grammy - Saw your post, and I have been working to find better ways to garden too, as I have osteoarthritis and fibro too.

I got a long handled weed puller like Susie mentioned online. It has been a back and knee saver. Also, I use a little foldable step stool to do trimming and even some planting. I am bending a little, but it saves my knees. I tried knee pads, but they didn't work so well.

Also, I am trying more container gardening, I put them up on racks.

Good luck with your garden!
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