Liz Hutchinson - Keeping The Mind Active

Liz Taylor Hutchinson, 73, spent much of her working life in physically demanding jobs. She lifted 28 pounds worth of sugar regularly in a grocery store, she had to carry crates of bottles as a barmaid, and she worked as a carer where part of her job was physically helping people in and out of bed. In her personal life, Liz has also cared for her husband who lives in extreme pain.

Discover how Liz has found a way to carry on doing the things she loves without pain. Here is her story...

In my early 40s, I noticed my right thumb had sudden shooting pain in it, so I went to the doctor and he said " it's osteoarthritis." I've had it for 30 years.

My husband and I used to do a tremendous amount of walking. We're right on the edge of the countryside, so within five minutes I'm where the horses and sheep are. I lost five pounds in the first week of living here because we did so much walking.

I'm an admin in several Facebook groups, one of which is a keyboard, organ and piano group. I love music. At around 4 o'clock, I usually go downstairs, feed the dogs, switch on the keyboard and I'll sit and play for about half an hour.

As an admin, I have to explain to people "this is the way the rules work, you've broken that rule”. The creator of the Facebook groups is a friend. She says I'm the best admin because I'm the one who keeps up to date with all the changes that go on with Facebook. She relies on me a lot because she works full time.  

I also read a great deal. I don’t use a Kindle or anything, I like a proper book that you can hold. It keeps my mind active. I’m terrified of getting dementia so I know I have to keep the brain active. I also love to craft. Over Christmas, I made my own Christmas cards.

I can't do anything when I have pain in my hands. I can't control the mouse because my fingers are just too painful on both sides. That means I can’t craft, I can’t hold a book properly, I can’t go online. It makes me distressed and, yes, I want to be able to follow what my friends are doing.

That's why I've got the Flexiseq at hand all the time, it's here on my craft desk and computer desk. I love this stuff because it’s enabling me to do more. The fact it’s drug-free is a tremendous boost for me because it doesn't interact with the other medication I take. It means I can use it with impunity and I don’t have to worry. My husband is in severe pain and takes strong painkillers. We tried Flexiseq on his elbows and he admitted it helped. He didn't think it would, but it did. I spend so much time on Facebook, that’s where I first heard about Flexiseq. I asked if they could send me a sample, and I couldn’t believe how well it worked.

Try it, because it works for me. Give it time because it might not work instantly, but don't give up on it. I can't recommend it highly enough. I'd like to wear a Flexiseq t-shirt which says "it works!"

Further Reading

Easy To Do Hand Arthritis Exercises

Tips For Working With Arthritis