[Saphyre]

I'm not sure what it is specifically that I react to in the Chondroitin, but my doc told me there is sulfa in there. I tried it, and I got itchy. The Glucosamine & MSM formula works just fine for me. It did take a little while (about 2 months) before I noticed a difference, but I most definitely did. I initially started taking it for my knees. Doc said I needed surgery, but I won't do that unless I am no longer able to walk. Here I am 4 years later, and I don't have nearly the issues I used to. Sometimes, I supplement with Tylenol Arthritis Formula (although I use the generic Walgreen's brand) which also helps with my spinal degenration issues. I take it 2 hours before I pole.

[Saphyre]

I can attest that Glucosamine is fabulous. I've been taking it for about 4 years now. You can either get Glucosamine & Chondroitin or Glucosamine with MSM. The Chondroitin formula is supposed to work better. I have to take the MSM formula because I have an allergy to the sulfa in Chondroitin. Also, use Veena's stretches for forearms, wrists, and hands. I do these and others on a daily basis, especially right after poling when the muscles are nice and warm. I also bought a hand grip that is adjustable. I use it while watching the news. Lastly, I have gotten trigger point acupuncture for it. It works extremely well if you have an experienced therapist. It is quite painful, but works. Good luck! xo

[Saphyre]

After just returning from the show in Michigan, I can tell you that there is nothing like that moment when the beat of the dubstep kicks in. It sends the audience into a frenzy. I vote dubstep.

[Saphyre]

My very first crush was Glitterhips because she was my first instructor and is is the sole reason I continued poling even after I thought I was done.

Jenyne was next, as hers was the first pro video I ever saw.

I love Sergia Louise Anderson's 2012 USPDF Amateur Optional Performance.

Anastasia Skukhtorova has flexibility, strength, and gorgeous lines.

Alethea is, well, freakin' sexy!

Annie Tobiasz. If you knew her story you would agree that she is such a sweetheart and so inspiring. She's also a great poler!

Michelle Mynx is a new crush. Her performance in Detroit was unbelievably sexy and she told me afterward that it felt good to just do what she wants to do no matter what anyone thinks. How could you not crush on that? Plus, I took her workshop and learned some cool stuff. (That I can't quite do yet)

Aerial Amy. I just took her workshop and she is super fun and rocked her showcase performance. She just has the knack for explaining things really well. Something we all can appreciate.

Veena. A wife. A mother to all those boys! A multiple business owner. A daughter, sister, and an inspiration to so many men and women around the world. She roller skates, does yoga, ballroom dances, hoops, silks, lyra, crafts…and I can't forget she is an incredible pole dancer. I'm sure I missed something.

So many fellow Veeners inspire me. Some I have finally met in person. Crush is a big word, but I find myself drawn to videos by luvlee, PlatinumAni, Pixi!!, tarah, and Legend. I am also drawn to videos by the ladies who are closer to my age like Lyme, Paunobs and Hookedonpole. KiKi inspires me with her dedication, generosity, and her ability to just let go when she dances. Chemgoddess1 inspires me as a person. She's freakin' awesome. I'm sure there are more, but it would take up too much space! Charley Crystal, Kyrsten, Poledanceromance, Shadow,, etc…..

 

[Saphyre]

I was looking at Brass as well, but think it might be too grippy for my skin. I am going to be getting an X-Pole XPert Titianium Gold this weekend. I'm hoping it will be good for the humid summer months.

 

[Saphyre]

Blondebird, AerialGypsy did a nice blog about the different finishes. I found it super helpful…

http://flexines.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-pole-material-do-i-get.html

 

[Saphyre]

I'll be there with bells, whistles, glitter, and a rockin' attitude!! Some lucky ladies will also be getting to try Glitter's cake truffles!! (Lyme, I will save one for you!)

[Saphyre]

I'll be there with bells, whistles, glitter, and a rockin' attitude!! Some lucky ladies will also be getting to try Glitter's cake truffles!! (Lyme, I will save one for you!)

[Saphyre]

Yup. It happens. One day I just "got" my Extended Butterfly with ease, then it flitted right out of my life. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm doing wrong, but I just have to work at it. So much depends on our mood and how we are feeling, physically on any given day. Unless you are poling 5 days a week, I think it's easy to lose some things every now and again. It will come back after you've had  a bit more time back in the saddle!

[Saphyre]

Thanks, Pegasus. I would only get surgery as a very, very last, last resort! The funny thing is it popped up while I was taking time off of the pole…Weird.

[Saphyre]

Thanks, everyone!! I knew I would get some good info from my Veeners! It is getting better. I'm massaging it several times a day with a pain number at about 8. I just can't bring myself to whack it, although I tried bouncing it a few times, pretty hard onto a kitchen cloth on the granite countertop. Going to pole today, so we'll see how it does!

[Saphyre]

Aw, nuts!

[Saphyre]

Thanks, Curious. I stretech my wrists and forearm severy day because I have on-going issues with them. I find myself stretching without realizing I'm even doing it! It's interesting that you mention getting back on pole got rid of it. I was off due to the flu, and that is when it popped up. I went to class Thurs night and kept it wrapped. It's certainly not any worse. We'll see how it goes!

[Saphyre]

Thanks, ladies!

Megan, I actually tried that! I know they used to be called "Bible Cysts" because they literally whacked them with a bible to get rid of them! I took a nice, hot bath last night and then massaged it really hard. It does feel better today, so I will continue to do that and keep my fingers crossed.

Pebbles, I hope mine doesn't come back after it goes away, but if it does, I hope it's not as bothersome.

Thanks, JeHanne. Thank goodness you didn't have any pain! I will absolutely consult an orthopedist if necessary. I'm not one to procrastinate on this things.

xoxoxo

[Saphyre]

You rock! I am awed by your energy…Congratulations and I wish you loads of success!