Goal Setting After Surgery...

Goal setting provides you with a road map…a plan. I contemplated this preparing for my first hip replacement. After surgery, recovery may seem so far away. Your surgeon, physical therapist, and other medical providers are watching your progress and expecting you to regain strength and return to a more normal state at a certain pace. By staying goal-oriented, you help to set an expectation of what lies ahead week by week or month by month (1).

Questions to ask yourself: 6 Months Post-Op

Are you mending as well as expected? Are you following your physical therapy orders and exercising as directed? How nutritious are your meal plans? Don’t forget, our bodies mend much more quickly with proper fuel. Eat Well! Are you managing your inflammation as well as you possibly can? Hold yourself accountable. Most importantly…where would you like to be in another 6 months? Make a plan!

The success of your recovery and achieving your health goals is in your hands. Your surgeon, nurses, physical therapist, and other medical professionals can only do so much…the rest is up to you.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

(1) Excerpt, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery, by Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS CHES, pg. 93

A goal properly set is halfway reached. - Zig Ziglar

A goal properly set is halfway reached. - Zig Ziglar

The Mighty, Nutritious, and Affordable Potato...

Long before I read Dr. McDougall's Starch Solution, emphasizing the importance of eating a whole food plant based no oil diet (WFPBNO), I read Potatoes Not Prozac by Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.  Kathleen founded Radiant Recovery, an online international community dedicated to healing unbalanced sugar sensitivity. 

I understood my own addictive and obsessive patterns when it came to foods, especially sugars.  Did you realize that a simple potato can treat depression, and addictions?  Both Dr. McDougall and Dr. DesMaisons view foods as healing agents.  The mighty potato is a tasty, affordable, and nutritious tuber.  Potatoes nourish and heal the body, mind and spirit.  Dine well, and eat more potatoes!

Easy and affordable recipes (video format):

Be Well and Dine Well!

Tiffany

 

Dental Woes and Artificial Joints...What's the Connection?

The Mayo Clinic states that, “Our oral health is a window into our overall health.” Studies have suggested that bacteria in the mouth, alongside inflammation, plays a role in disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. In regards to those of us living with artificial joints, dental health is of great importance if only to protect us from infection. Infection in the blood can lead to erosion of bone around an artificial joint implant. Due to this concern it has been recommended that patients speak to their dentist and surgeon prior to any dental procedure…especially if infection is already present. As discussed in the book, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery, readers are told:

Treating patients with antibiotics before dental work or other procedures had been considered preventive care and preferred for those who have artificial joints. This recommendation has changed. According to the American Dental Association, as of January 2015, “For patients with prosthetic joint implants, …antibiotics are not recommended prior to dental procedures to prevent prosthetic joint infections (1).” For any patients who had a history of complications, antibiotics should only be considered after a consultation with the patient and the orthopedic surgeon.

The clinical reasoning behind this recommendation is evidence that dental infections are not associated with prosthetic joint infections and antibiotics provided before oral care did not prevent joint implant infections. Situations vary by patient, and if the surgeon deemed the antibiotics would support the health of the patient, the ADA suggests following medication guidelines. Speak candidly to your dentist about your joint replacement and be aware of these premedication changes.

- Excerpt from, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery by Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES, pg 31-32.

Manage your artificial joints using a full body approach. By maintaining a lean weight, exercising regularly, eating a wholesome nutritious diet, and practicing good dental hygiene you are protecting your overall health and investing in the longevity of the joints designed to keep you mobile.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

  1. Sollecito TP, Abt E, Lockhart PB, et al. The use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures in patients with prosthetic joints. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2015;146(1): 11-16. Published January 2015. Accessed February 16, 2017.

Living Well with Thyroid Conditions...

Did you know that 12% of the American population currently live with a thyroid condition, 60% of them are unaware of the problem, and that women are five to eight times more likely to be affected?

Our thyroid is a complex, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of our throats. The thyroid is considered the master gland that, when not working properly, can cause a number of health problems. My doctor first diagnosed me with Hashimoto's disease when I was in my late 30's. Hashimoto's refers to hypothyroidism; meaning that my thyroid is under active and my immune system is attacking the gland. This is a long-term chronic condition. There is no cure, inflammation is a concern, and I will take medication as treatment for the rest of my life. I partner with my doctor as well as take extra steps to manage my symptoms.

Seeing my doctor regularly, candidly discussing any and all symptoms, monitoring my blood work, and modifying the dosage of my medication based on my doctor's recommendations are CRUCIAL to effectively managing a thyroid disorder. The symptoms listed below are often seen in those of us living with Hashimoto's disease. Besides my daily medication, I've added extra steps below that I take to live well with the symptoms of Hashimto's. My disease isn't in charge of me, I AM in charge...I simply face Hashimoto's as another unique aspect of myself. I hope you find this information useful.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

  • Fatigue - Making time for adequate rest is a priority. I do my best to manage my time. Naps, regular therapeutic massage, Epsom salt baths, moderate amounts of sunshine/Vitamin D, and acupuncture treatments help me avoid and recover from sleepless nights.

  • Bloating - Avoiding oil in my diet and eating starch strong foods like potatoes prevents me from experiencing bloating. I have found that if I am inflamed or bloated...it is due to something I have eaten. Check my Nourish page to view my meal plan and recipes.

  • Forgetfulness - I prefer pencil and paper over gadgets. I make lists as reminders, challenge my mind with crosswords/puzzles, and have a day planner to stay organized.

  • Weight gain - I love to cook, I love to eat...AND staying lean is important to me. The Starch Solution is my dietary solution. Regular activity such as walking, stretching, strength training, and isometric routines provide energy, muscle tone, pain management, stamina, and keep my spirits up.

  • Change in skin appearance - Our skin is the largest organ of elimination. I support my skin with a whole food diet, stay well hydrated, avoid caffeine/nicotine/alcohol/refined foods, exfoliate daily with bath gloves/sugar scrubs/Clarisonic Mia (for face), spend time in saunas/steam rooms when I am able, and moisturize with quality products.

This advice is not a substitute for medical care. Speak to your doctor about how to best manage your health. 

Content first published on August 23, 2019.

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Living Well with Joint Replacement

“When I learned that I needed a joint replacement, my initial fears were that my lifestyle would diminish and that I would lose physical freedoms. Prior to surgery, I didn’t know what to expect and what I may never get to enjoy again.

Experiencing a health crisis leading to hip replacement at age 45 put me in a state of shock. I envisioned the possibilities of my future collapsing. Instead, this experience has been humbling and given me an opportunity to focus on what I can do.

Today, I pay more attention to my body, my movements, and am aware of my surroundings. I scan ahead while walking to avoid slipping hazards, I wear solid shoes with nonslip tread, and follow a sensible fitness routine to stay lean and strong.”

-Excerpt from, “Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery*, Chapter 7 Final Thoughts: Beyond Surviving, Thriving!, pg. 111.

*Nominated for the 2018 Health Literacy Award and 2018 AARP Purpose Prize

Are you or a loved one facing joint replacement surgery? You may feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to expect, and have plenty of questions. Perhaps you are already ‘Bionic’ and have lived with artificial joint(s) for a few years. Joint replacement surgeries, whether they are for hips, knees, or shoulders, share commonalities…each procedure installs equipment designed to provide years of mobility. The patients’ jobs are to heal, recover, and embrace the new bionic part as a tool helping them to move.

Butternut to Bionic is a resource guide for anyone preparing for surgery AND a living well guide for those who have received artificial joints. Each chapter offers a variety of resources, suggestions, and checklists to help recipients achieve a successful outcome and return to (plus maintain) a high quality of life.

Facing the challenge of joint replacement is a team effort. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers will find the book, Butternut to Bionic, intriguing, insightful, and useful.

“My surgeon informed me that with good care I can easily expect 25 to 30 years of use from my artificial joints. It’s nice to have an idea of an expiration date. Around three decades provides me with plenty of time to live and play. What will I do if I have future surgeries? I’ll cross that bridge if it presents itself.”

-Author, Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Our Founder, Tiffany Anderson, shares this message and invites you to engage with us...

Anderson Therapeutics, and the book, 'Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery' exist to inspire and empower others to improve their quality of life. My website and resource guide offers patient advocacy, empowerment, and encourages personal accountability. Education and professional experience has enabled me to survive life-threatening illness and return to an active lifestyle. As an author, educator, health coach, alternative healthcare provider, caregiver, and patient, I practice what I preach and share my 3 key concepts to Live Well & Be Well. I invite you to partner with me...subscribe, visit my blog, browse resources.

Visit Anderson Therapeutics to learn more about services offered, and the guide Butternut to Bionic that has earned:

  • 4/4 stars on GoodReads

  • 4.5/5 star reader reviews on Amazon

  • Editorial Reviews: Reader Views calls Butternut to Bionic a “…well laid out resource” and “…highly recommended reading”

Anderson Therapeutics staff members believe that everyone and everything we encounter arrives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  As a team we follow our Founders belief that everyone, to the best of their ability, can manage chronic conditions with dignity and grace.

Be Well! ~The Anderson Therapeutics Team

Upcoming Surgery? Searching for a Holistic Recovery Guide?

  • Seeking alternative options to better manage post surgical pain?

  • Curious about combining alternative and Western therapies before, during, and after surgery?

  • Want to feel more empowered, take charge, and avoid feelings of helplessness while facing surgery and recovery?

  • Do you want to care for yourself and/or a loved on in a more holistic way?

  • Want inspiration and motivation to help you focus on rehabilitative exercise and a nutritious diet?

  • Are you prepared and able to ask your doctor, surgeon, and medical team informed questions about surgery? It’s time to better understand and engage with your healthcare providers!

Get this Valuable & Inexpensive Resource Guide

Companion Website with FREE Tips & Tools

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Dr. Leslie Peterson, ND writes that advice in this resource guide is, “relevant for most any type of surgery”, and Lynn Little, RN says, this book “belongs in every doctor’s office and every patients’ home.”

Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery is written from the patient perspective and includes suggestions that can help nearly everyone. Readers young and old will find tips, resources, tools, and advice applicable to a wide variety of surgeries. As an educator, alternative healthcare provider, patient, and author I write in a conversational style and guide readers step-by-step to prepare for and recover from surgery. Patients, caretakers, family members, and healthcare providers will find this book intriguing, insightful, and useful.

Still not convinced? Learn more about me, my publisher, and why I wrote the book here. Plus, check the following reviews, recognition, and my credentials. Butternut to Bionic achievements include…

I offer patient advocacy and encourage personal accountability. Anderson Therapeutics and my book exist to inspire and empower others to improve their quality of life. Partner with me, get the guide, and become an active participant on your journey to improved health.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

“It’s better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret.” - Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“It’s better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret.” - Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Soothe Your Spine...

The spine is our support system keeping us upright. Practicing good posture and articulating your spine will help prevent back pain and minimize existing muscle tension.

How to best do this? The Yoga pose known as cat/cow is one way to articulate your spine by first rounding your spine (mimicking the arched back of a cat), then arching your back (pushing the belly forward as a cow). A formal Yoga class isn't necessary, most people can safely practice this pose while seated as shown below. Here are two additional tips to soothe your spine...

  • Draw your knees towards your chest. This movement relieves low back pain and tension by lengthening the spine.

  • Practice ergonomics! Place a foot rest under your desk at work. By raising your feet a bit while seated takes pressure off of your low back and improves circulation. A foot rest can be purchased or be something as simple as a stack of books, a sturdy box, or nailing a few boards together. Aim to raise your feet so that your knees are in line with, or a bit higher than your hips.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

*Blog post first published October 12, 2017

Incorporate this gentle stretch daily. Arch, round, repeat.

Incorporate this gentle stretch daily. Arch, round, repeat.