My Comeback Story: Stephen N.

Years ago I began to feel the impact of rheumatoid arthritis in my left shoulder, which lead to a visit with a shoulder specialist. The quick and dirty: The doctor told me to quit working out so hard.

Which lead to a second visit, with Dr. Gramstad. I explained to him that working out is a big part of my life. I have, for many years, worked out with young folks 1/3 to1/4 my age. I became a certified personal trainer 14 years ago, and have focused on calisthenics, stretching and balance, doing things like various moves on gymnast rings, balancing on BOSU and exercise balls while doing upper-body workouts, and climbing ropes. Things that young folks who are tired of just doing reps on a bench or machine find interesting.

I often will have 4 or 5 young folks joining me for my workouts. It was a big part of my life. And still is.

Dr. Gramstad understood that I was not ready to give this up. He counseled me, and ultimately recommended I get the ball of my left shoulder joint replaced, but not replace the socket, since I would just tear it up, He did smooth out the socket, but, otherwise left it as it was.

That first surgery was a complete success - and I was back at the gym very quickly doing my thing with young folks. Of course, that led to the right shoulder needing help. So, 2 years ago, Dr. Gramstad did the other shoulder.

X-rays of both shoulders show the formation of a fibrous joint space. Which, in layman's terms means - cartilage is growing back in both sockets. This is huge. In my mind, this is the result of three things - an excellent surgeon, calisthenics to reduce the risk of damage from more extreme workouts like weight lifting, and a diet that focuses on minimizing inflammation whilst providing sufficient protein and fiber.

The attached photo was taken whilst on vacation in Canada at the age of 72. I am doing a front lever, something that only 3 or 4 of the dozens of young folks I have worked out with can do.

If you are fighting rheumatoid arthritis in your shoulders and want to be seriously fit as you get seriously older - talk to Dr. Gramstad.