Quote Originally Posted by Bike Writer View Post
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The big plus is overcoming obstacles, I have RA plus osteo arthritis, one knee that's had total knee replacement and one that will need it soon and I've been working through some issues of shortness of breath this year as well as last year. Being able to achieve something physically is a huge mental boost. I used to be intensely athletic, water skiing and or golfing daily. I was adept and agile.

When diagnosed and suffering the consequences of this illness it was not only debilitating but downright depressing. I mourned for my loss and restrictions and was angry with my body. I felt like it betrayed me, I wasn't done having fun. Fast forward a few years and I found that perservance can have it's rewards. It was a very slow start and victories came in a few neighborhood blocks, then a mile and then miles with a plural.
Good job, Bike Writer! I can totally relate. I was riding 3000-4000 miles yearly until I had a serious cycling accident in 2005. After that, I never even rode 1000 miles a year. My best year was 800 miles. I know I went through some depression also, and in part that was due to the pain I would feel every time I rode. I was slow and just couldn't ride the way I used to be able to. It was very sad to me that a single moment could change my entire life.

This year I went to see a pain specialist, who suggested a home TENS unit. I bought one and am able to use it during rides (electrodes on the back of my right ilium, and stash the unit in my jersey pocket), and it takes the pain from a 5-9 level to a 0-2 level. What a difference! I am over 1100 miles so far this year and feeling great!

Very happy for both of us!