Mel's story: "I don’t take painkillers now... I would rather be exercising"

How exercise helps manage pain

Mel was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her knees and hands when she was 43. Embracing a new exercise regime, she found moving more eased her pain and stiffness and shares her tips to help others.

"I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees and hands when I was 43. I would struggle to do things like open doors, tie my laces or put the top on a bottle of water.

It was worse when I woke up in the morning. The pain when I walked upstairs was excruciating. And with my hands it was terrible. I would struggle to do things like open doors, tie my laces or put the top on a bottle of water.

My doctor did blood tests and I was then referred to the rheumatology department at the hospital. The rheumatologist told me it was osteoarthritis. When someone tells you that you have arthritis, it’s awful. But I’m stubborn and determined.

A new exercise plan

I won’t let arthritis determine what I can and can’t do. I joined the gym. It was obvious then that there were only certain things that I could go on, but I did a Pilates class once a week and that was good for flexibility.

I met Shane, a personal trainer at the gym I go to – I like Shane’s approach that if something hurts, you find something else to do. Even if you just wake up in the morning and walk to the shops at the end of the road, that’s ok. You can then walk a bit further over the course of a few days or weeks.

After three weeks with Shane, I could already walk upstairs without any pain. It’s tough, and it may take time, but it’s about that first step.

Once I got started, I became curious about how much I could do. I find that if I don’t do anything, it starts to hurt more, because everything starts to stiffen. It can be a vicious circle; if I seize up, I find it harder to start exercising again!

Cutting out junk food

As well as becoming more active, I decided to take a good look at what I was eating. I’ve drastically improved my diet. I started eating only good food and got rid of all the rubbish. I feel so much better.

Even though I know how much I’ve improved, I still have arthritis and I know it’s there. I don’t take painkillers now, because I would rather be exercising and just go down that route.

What helped me?

• working with a personal trainer to design an exercise plan
• Pilates once a week to stay supple and
• eating a healthy diet."