I have had Osteo-Arthritis for over ten years now, probably longer, but along with that, my energy has become low, and my life has been very stress filled as well.

Had two foot surgeries, and hysterectomy in my early forties, and on the second foot surgery a few years ago, I asked for the bone not to be fused, as I have noticed my left foot bothers me more whenever I wear too high a heel (2 1/2 to 3). But the right foot has started to be very painful as well.

Anyway, not that heels are a priority, but every once in a while I like to dress up for special occasions. What I am noticing is I am good for an hour or two if I am lucky, and then my feet start to hurt to the point of throbbing pain.

I have worked in a hospital for 8 years now, and usually wear shoes that are leather and comfortable with a 1 to 2 inch heel most of the time. Soft Moc has a wonderful selection of comfortable shoes, so I don't think the shoes are the issue. I have never had this problem before, and wondering if there is some sort of remedy I can take, as I know the arthritis is no doubt the culprit.

Have started hiking along bike trails, but I got sick with flu for past week and a half. Hoping to get back into it next week again, as I enjoy the nature hikes and it increases that feeling of well being even more. I also have been diagnosed by my Orthopedic surgeon as having bone spurs in my middle toes, and I have received a recent diagnosis via an MRI, with a mild left lumbar scoliosis.

I took a fall about 3 to 4 years ago, on my kitchen floor due to an overflowing sink, and as I was going down, I heard a very pronounced cracking sound.

Later on in the day, almost half way into my shift at work, I couldn't move my right leg, and had to go up to ER, and all they really did was have me lay down, after I explained what happened when I fell earlier that same day.

No doubt a problem with my lower back, which eventually got better, until I tried to exercise again.

I am waiting to get into a spinal clinic for a consultation, but in the mean time, I want to do what I can to get healthier and stronger. I am seeking their consultation only for exercises to start on, and will go from there.

I am not interested in invasive surgeries that don't need to happen.

I have been curious about calcium deposits as well, and wondering if that is what has caused my bone spurs in my toes?

Considering going to a laser clinic that specializes in less invasive techniques to rid me of these painful balls of calcium matter, if that is what they are?

Wondering if bone spurs are caused by calcium buildup and lack of proper absorption in the body.

I have decided to try the Apple Cider Vinegar twice a day as soon as I can get started this week, with an 8 oz glass of water, and considering trying the 'Chanea Pridia', if I am spelling it correctly.

As for eating natural foods, I love greek yogurt, but find I don't have it very often, as it causes constipation, if I have too much, and I love it like candy. I love cheese too, but if I eat too much, my body doesn't like the excess fat and causes irritation to my colon, and excessive bloating. It is as if I crave it though, so much so, that I just have to have it, along with sugar and carb cravings. Usually a muffin, or a bag of potato chips, not great I know, seems to feed my cravings and calm my stomach especially, and then I am good for awhile. Depends on the day mind you, and if I get off to a good start with a good breakfast it seems to make a difference somewhat, but I still get cravings.

I really would prefer to try more natural approaches to improving my health, as I have a huge sensitivity to drugs, certain additives in foods, and experienced allergic reactions to many different drugs, prescribed for viral infections and such, which is probably a blessing that I can't take them.

I enjoy the occasional glass of wine or two, when out with friends, but not a big drinker, and usually I find I swell up from that the next day, with puffy eyes and generally puffy all over.

Don't smoke either.

I love fruits and vegetables, but I get heartburn after eating an apple if I have not consumed some carbs and protein prior to eating it. Or maybe the dairy is what helps with that, as I usually like to have greek yogurt in the am.

For some time, I have suspected allergies, as if I consume too much of dairy or processed foods, my face swells up and I get this double chin thing going on and that feeling of something stuck in your throat.

But wondering if that is all of that processed stuff that goes into making these so called healthy foods.

Do they add additives that make you crave those foods more, especially yogurt? Or, is my body just not digesting properly?

Trying to drink lots of water, but I usually only get up to 4 to 5 (8oz) portions during my work day, and then when I go home, I try to get in 2 to 3 more. If I go up to 8 glasses at work, it usually ends up being a problem with bladder control.

But there are days I can't seem to drink water without developing a gag reflex. I am thinking of purchasing bottled water cases, so I can just grab one, as I am more motivated to drink from them.

It gets expensive buying bottling water at work, as they charge rediculous fees for one bottle.

There are days also, that the water doesn't taste all that good from the tap, on days when I am forced to drink tap water.

Hospital water definately sucks, and I live in an old apartment building/condos where the water doesn't always taste that great.

On another note, I notice everytime I brush with my regular toothpaste(Colgate) and use mouthwash afterwards, my sinuses start to act up and I seem to get that feeling of congestion in my nose shortly after.

So thinking of switching to a non fluoride toothpaste and not sure about the mouth wash. I like freshening up my mouth, especially first thing in the am, as there are a lot of toxins there, especially after several hours.

In short, I am going through early menopause, and have managed to control the night sweats with accupuncture, and if I keep my stress levels to a minimum, they don't appear. I also periodically get Vit B shots from my Accupuncturist which makes me happy not to have to pop vitamins all of the time.

I used to be OCD about taking vitamins and doing herbal cleanses every year, but I just get a gag reflex now, at the very thought of popping more vitamins.

But I am looking into trying a new multi vitamin on the market call AM/PM Essentials by Jeunesse.

Not trying to promote, I just happened to hear about it from a friend who tried it, along with a supplement called 'Reserve', and 'Finiti'. The 'Reserve' supplement can be chilled and is fruit flavored, and it comes in one of those squeeze bottles, so you take it straight without water.

My friend said it gave her so much energy, so looking forward to giving it a try.

I have no doubt that hormones can create issues with various health concerns as well. Breakouts, very tired, weight gain and possibly poor digestion.

I want to feel more energy and get back in shape and shed some much needed weight loss of 50 or so pounds at least, and feel normal again, but first I think I need to take care of the imbalance in my body that seems to have taken over somewhat.

Would appreciate any suggestions.