I realize I just had a birthday, and I’m this side of 40, and I found another gray hair, and doctors have said I have “age issues” with my hips…but am I ready to be a member of the Arthritis Foundation? Am I ready to subscribe to Arthritis Today Magazine? The Foundation invited me this week. They plied me with the Drug Guide, the aforementioned magazine, access to a toll-free automated information hot-line (read: no human interaction; probably why it’s free), discounts on books & videos from the Foundation, and “arthritis specialist referral lists” (Wouldn’t my own doctor be the one to point me in the direction of a specialist?). They were even nice enough to send me a temporary membership card with the statement, “We Can Help!” Help with what? I realize arthritis is not strictly a geriatric problem. I know people younger than myself who are practically using walkers because their knees or hips are so bad. I know I’m not that far off considering my PT casually mentioned “replacement” the last time I stretched my hip for him, but I didn’t donate just the same.
To learn more about the Arthritis Foundation, go here.
~*LunaSea*~ 
awww,I’m sorry.
If it is any consolation I have had arthritis since I turned 40. Maybe even earlier. Somedays I almost need help lifting the case of water. But I would rather suffer the pain and keep my “dignity” *rolls eyes*. Arthritis sucks big time. I was seeing a Chiropractor and he said,”You are too young to have arthritis. It’s not that.” I left and never went back. My mind and soul say 30 my joints say “oyyyy you are so not 30!”
Poor little you Heidi…I am sorry.
“Age” is subjective. I firmly believe I am of multiple ages, older than I want to be, younger than I deserve to be and a strange mix of everything in between. Keep care of yourself the best that you can. It’s the only thing you can do. 🙂