A Natural Approach To Health
Living With Joint Replacement
I had a question the other day about joint replacement.
By 2030, 3.5 million Americans will undergo total knee replacement surgery yearly, and more than half a million will get total hip replacements.
Most of these surgeries are done on people with osteoarthritis.
Joint replacement is sometimes considered the “treatment of last resort” for people with osteoarthritis.
You’re usually told to wait as long as possible, but to get the best results, you shouldn’t wait too long.
How do you know when it’s time for joint replacement surgery?
Ask yourself these questions:
>Can I still do the things I enjoy, like golfing, shopping or playing with my grandchildren?
>Do the medications I take, and/or physical therapy, still control the pain reasonably well?
>Can I sleep at night without waking up due to pain?
>Can I still do daily activities, like getting out of a chair, going up and down stairs, using the toilet, and getting into and out of the car without much difficulty?
If you answered yes to all these questions, then you probably don’t need joint replacement surgery yet.
But, if you answered “no” to most of them, you should discuss joint replacement as a possible option with your health care provider.
If you decide to proceed, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
>Replacement joints aren’t “miracle” joints. They won’t restore a joint to its previous function.
>Pain relief is the most dependable outcome. When pain is relieved, you may get some function back, but this isn’t the main goal and is less predictable.
>On average, replacement joints have a limited life span (10-20 years).
>There are certain activities (running, downhill skiing) you shouldn’t do after surgery. The joint is meant to be used but not abused.
>Low-impact aerobics, moderate hiking, bicycling, swimming, gardening (if you don’t squat), and normal housework usually are allowed.
>People who’ve had joint replacement may need to take antibiotics before dental work, certain tests, and surgery for at least 2 years after joint replacement surgery to prevent infection in the artificial joint.
To deal with joint replacement surgery it’s beneficial to:
*Drink 6-8 cups of purified water daily to hydrate and flush toxins (whether thirsty or not).
*Herbal teas are recommended before and after the procedure. Try the following teas:
>alfalfa, dandelion, nettle
>bromelain, turmeric (curcumin); these are anti-inflammatory
>burdock root, red clover; these cleanse your blood and liver
>green tea; helps with the healing process
>milk thistle; protects your liver from the toxic buildup of drugs and chemicals
>pau d’arco; this is a natural antibacterial, enhances healing, and cleanses your blood
>rose hips; this is a good source of vitamin C and enhances healing.
*If you’re overweight and have time to diet before the procedure, try to gradually lose the extra weight. Studies show excess weight can increase both the difficulty of performing the procedure and the length of recovery time. It’s also been linked to an increased likelihood of postoperative infection.
*If you smoke, stop. Smoking delays healing.
*Add fiber to your diet. It ensures better intestinal tract function.
*Increase life-giving, enzyme- and nutrient-rich, fresh, raw fruits and veggies (organic whenever possible); consider juicing.
*Ensure optimal, quality protein intake.
*Consider a liver cleanse.
*Rebalance intestinal microflora (see my post on Candida).
*Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
*Eliminate processed, instant, sugar-laden, chemical-laden, hydrogenated fats, trans fats, lifeless foods.
*Understand any side-effects of any medications.
*Drink Performance and take alfalfa every 1-2 hours to maintain nutrient/electrolyte levels.
If you’re dealing with joint replacement surgery, try these (100% money-back guarantee):
It’s essential to use: Vita-Lea, Protein, Optiflora, B-Complex, Alfalfa, Vitamin C, Vitamin D.
It’s important to use: CarotoMax, FlavoMax, GLA, OmegaGuard, Calcium/Magnesium, VitalMag, Vitamin E, Herb-Lax.
It’s beneficial to use: Garlic, CoQHeart, Stress Relief Complex, Pain Relief Complex, Vivix, Energizing Tea.
email: lenay@dickandlenay.com
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