Hello

Who am I?: My name is Joanna, I now live in West Sussex with my partner and have an ‘blended’ family of 6 children and one granddaughter (so far).

My story: I had non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma aged 20 and Hodgkins aged 30. Now aged 48 I have been in remission for over 15 years for which I am so thankful. I am an optimist so see it as being an opportunity for me to grow empathy and an inner strength. 

Ageing gracefully: I had a hysterectomy a year ago and since then have been experiencing increasing joint pain. Following the operation I found out I had necrosis of the genital head (top of the thigh bone at the hip) and have found out that having those intense high doses of steroids through chemo, high dose chemo and stem cell transplant, has had a negative effect on my bones. I would love to know if anyone else on this forum has a similar experience and whether anyone has found something no that reduces the joint pain and helps with general regeneration. 

My solution: I am about to embark on a strength and flexibility programme, doing daily yoga and weights, to see if that improves anything. I already eat lots of plants, no-low alcohol consumption, low sugar and refined products, and add beans & pulses into my diet. I take multi-vitamins and add magnesium too. I’m also on thyroxine as my thyroid became interactive after having kids (my 4 miracle daughters). 

I’d love to hear from you!