Size matters

“Don’t gain any weight.”

That was the parting advice from my rheumatologist during a recent visit.

Years ago, I was told that each one-pound gain in weight adds 10 pounds of pressure to your body’s joints. And this information from Johns Hopkins reports similar findings.

However, a weight gain of two or three pounds (okay, three!) is inevitable whenever I visit my parents. My mother’s amazing cooking and baking, combined with my father’s continual stockpiling of sweets (he brings pocketfuls of free cookies home from the bank every day), usually sabotages my best intentions within 24 hours.

Prior to my Easter visit, I had seen a number on the scale that had eluded me since before my son was born nine years ago. And, when my weight is down, I do notice a difference. There is less morning ache in my lower back and the stiffness in my hip decreases. I stand straighter and walk without a noticeable limp. Good motivators all, but no match from Mom’s homemade lasagna and meatballs.

So far, I’m down one pound. Considering there are still jelly beans and peanut butter eggs in the house, I count that as a major triumph.

Other news from the rheumatologist: 1) the arthritis in my hip is only in certain areas, but not the entire joint, and 2) the severity of my arthritis -– as evidenced by my X-rays -– means I qualify for a permanent handicapped placard. So, I’ve got that going for me, too.