As I sit here on my couch, suffering from the worst Rheumatoid Arthritis flareup I've had since my diagnosis 12 years ago, I needed this reminder today. I can't thru-hike (or hike at all, right now) but I've completed over 700 miles of the A.T. so far as a aecrion hiker and I trust I will be out there again. Your story inspires and encourages me all over again. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for not allowing the fears of others for you become your fears. ❤

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

I am so so so sorry you have a flare up. They are the worst. I hug you with my thoughts. Gosh I wish I could take it from you. I hope it will soon calm down. Are you taking any medicine? How is your doctor treating you?

@sueb860

7 ай бұрын

@@hikingdancer thank you. Air hugs back. I've failed on about 8 meds so far, either allergic reaction right away or failure over time. Starting a new med tomorrow. Have a new Dr. who really seems to listen and respond to what is going on. Just know that whatever doubts you may have had about making this video should be erased. I needed the reminder and encouragement. I'm looking forward to getting on our beloved trail again and I hope to see you out there!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

@@sueb860read a recent comment by Richard Ross. I know I was treated with cancer medication but if there is a natural way, what he’s suggesting might work ❤

@sueb860

7 ай бұрын

@@hikingdancer thank you! Have used wheat germ in the past, will definitely look into this. 😊

Thank you for sharing your story. I can now have you in mind when I say, if she can do it, so can I.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Please do

Girl! Let me tell you something. I was diagnosed with Graves disease in middle school by age 17 I started having issues with my knees. I ran cross country and track through college by age 23 diagnosed with RA after my third knee surgery. My joints started hurting bilaterally in my fingers and wrists as well as huge swollen red knees. I went from running 10 miles a day to waking up crying at night and not being able to walk down steps or bend my knees even to a 90 degree angle. They put me on Bextra which has been pulled from the market and wanted to start methotrexate. My best friend was into fasting and holistic medicine. She asked me to give her 2 weeks and stop the Bextra and not start the methotrexate. Just 2 and if I didn’t see any improvement she would concede to what my diagnosis was. I was so desperate I fasted for 3 days and then started an all raw fruit and veggie diet. My rule was if you can’t pull it out of the ground or pick it off a tree or bush you can’t have it. In 2 weeks was I could see PROFOUND changes. I slowly added things back to my diet but even to this day here is what I KNOW. Processed bars, cereal, milk, etc is crap. Just don’t. Meats, veggies and fruit seem fine. In recent days I have been doing keto but I am going back to a low sugar/low carb clean eating bc that is where I thrive. Every blue moon I have inflammation and I get real strict, fasting will shut it down. Even just intermittent fasting. RA is not what we think. I am a clinical hospital pharmacist and this is not a popular opinion, but you know what - I don’t give a rats patooty. Bc I was CRIPPLED, and depressed and in SO much pain, and now (by the grace of God, and for my friend having the guts to speak up I have learned SO much). Our modern diet, and pills are not good and while they can be great in acute instances and infections the saying you are what you eat is true. I am so so glad you are doing better. I am super passionate about this bc I lived it and it changed me forever - just bc the “experts” claim something doesn’t make it true. Also P.S. I am half German - well prob a little less than half but my Mom is half and my Dad has a lot of German blood lines too. Anyhow had to share (haven’t even finished listening to your video so back I go - but I had to tell you this.) ❤🙏🏻

My closest, dearest friend of 40 years has rheumatoid arthritis. What you pulled off is nothing short of a miracle. I have watched my friend go through some very difficult times and the strength she shows me everyday is what got me through my mothers death, a terrible divorce and now my struggles starting my second business. So you keep going girl! You have a cheerleader in me. Heck, just getting to the starting line everyday with your condition is an accomplishment. Walk on!

What a story! You showed em all what determination can do. You should be very proud of yourself. I think you’ve already motivated many to hike with all your videos. God bless and keep it up!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

My wife and I followed you from your initial announcement, to gear choices, on through to Katahdin. I’m so glad you made it to the summit and hope it fulfilled you as you hoped it would. 2200 miles of walking in all that the trail throws at you is an amazing, amazing accomplishment. It was enjoyable to watch all the way through.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the lovely words

Julianne, you have a great story and truthfully you're pretty darn inspirational. I pray your ailment never again surfaces and you have many great hikes ahead of you. Hike on RR! 🥾

What an uplifting story Julianne. My RA showed up in my mid 50's and there were times that I didn't want to live thru the pain. Fortunately I have medications now that work, but I'm always aware that that may change. The thought of living with RA as a child is beyond my ability to comprehend. Thanks for the story because your hike means so much more for us who love to hike and are dealing with RA!!!!!!

Cheers to you!!!! Yours is a inspiring story. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. ☮❤🤝

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Just watched this a very inspiring story. Glad you didn’t washed down the “River crossing” on PCT. Met an AT NOBO hiker last year who also had a similar inflammatory disease who had to give herself medicine by IV every six weeks, she made it she also was a very strong willed person. Met her after a 23 mile day in very hot muggy conditions up and over Greylock, gave her a ride to Fed Ex just before it closed for her 6 week infusion. Happy Trails you have a great attitude and great videos

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story of growing up with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, sorry to hear how kids bullied you. On the positive side, you are discovering yourself through long-distance hiking. You are a survivor. Looking forward to your future hikes. Hike~~On~~>

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thank you, an inspiration for us out here on different trails of life. It’s mental, spiritual, physical. God bless

What an amazing story! A story of hope and inspiration and the courage you had to forge forward and accomplish such a daunting task. Your story has inspired me to overcome my debilitating ailment of peripheral neuropathy, the dying of the nerves and nerve sheaths of the feet and lower legs. It causes constant, never-ending pain to walk or perform daily tasks. A 24 hour per day pain that will not go away. But I love to hike. I used to hike like the wind, covering many miles in a weekend of section hiking the Finger Lakes Trail of New York State. Now, I can cover about three miles at a time at best. After listening to your incredible story, you have given me hope and inspired me to slowly complete a long section hike of the Appalachian Trail, the 93 miles of the AT that go through southern New York State. I will go back and watch every one of your videos and follow your journey. Thank you for your story of inspiration and giving me hope to follow my dream.

I have been following you on the PCT and just saw this video about your experiences with RA . It is hard to state how Very inspiring your story is . Thank you ... and now to try and follow your example 🙏😇 .

Thank you for sharing your story! And props to you for doing accomplishing this amazing goal! During my thru I quickly learned that there's all kinds of people out there and the toughest hikers are usually the ones who HAVE to hike despite barriers. The AT healed me in many ways, too and maybe one day I'll tell my story. It really speaks to your character to tell this story in such a calm, dignified way after doing all these miles.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Hey Thanks love every minute of it

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

So glad!

Thanks for sharing the whole story. I remember you telling us about friends and family doubting you at the start and only giving you 2 weeks. You toughed it out and truly changed your life. You are reaching beyond your comfort zone and doing so many incredible things now. We all await your next adventure and wish you well in all that you do. Happy life.

What’s an awesome story and testimony Julianne. You believed in the power of human perseverance and you pushed through what I can only imagine is great apprehension, doubt, maybe even fear. I hope that I am not misunderstanding. I am very proud of you

You are an amazing human being! Of course you're not done yet you BADASS!!! Keep on dancin, singin, hikin and oh please sharin your beautiful story as it unfolds to inspire the rest of us. Cross those rivers, girl!!! You are a treasure!!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

That’s the nicest thing to say! Thank you

I love watching your videos you're such an inspiration to so many people ur so awesome a big hug to you from North Carolina

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Thank youuuuu

A truly inspiring story. Congratulations.

@hikingdancer

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thanks for Sharing. Glad you got better or otherwise I would never got to meet you and Groceries on Trail, Stay healthy .God Bless

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, you have always inspired me and now even more. I do believe that mental strength can do more that physical strength. Sending love ❤

Thank you for telling your story...you are an inspiration..

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thank you for sharing your story. Good for you to persevere. You are an inspiration!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

You are an inspiration. I’m trying to work up the courage to take on the challenge/the pain that through hiking brings on, when I already have my issues. I would love to come to the day where I can say I threw hiked the Appalachian Trail. Congratulations to you!

Thank you for sharing, I needed to hear this. Thank you

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

So glad!

You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your story. I can't wait to see what's ahead for you!

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thank you for your story I know it is never eazy to talk about something so personal this has got to be the most inspirational message I've heard from you and I will always remember it hope you continue to fight off the arthritis for a very long time my childhood sickness was asthma I couldn't have pets and freezing cold air gave me an attack with injection till I was 12 and time I grew out of it I think hiking helped a lot and I borrowed my neighbor's dog against my parents wishes just to feel like I had a pet now those days seem far behind me but like you I'm now getting arthritis in my hands and shoulders but my legs are fine

Your thru-hike was definitely an amazing accomplishment - now even more amazing after hearing your backstory ! The "creeping" self-doubt is bad enough when you don't have additional burden like health worries. Your story should serve as great inspiration to ANYONE who has doubts about pursuing something that they are passionate about. Thanks for sharing this !

Praying for continued health and prosperity. You are an inspiration! 🙏🏼💙

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you Mama Bear

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a inspiration to others. Safe travels on your future hikes.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! You are an amazing young lady!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thank you for sharing your story, and for the encouragement you bring, not just with this video, but with your channel.

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

I appreciate that

You are incredible human being. Thank you for sharing with us. 🤗

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you

Excellent story, thanks for sharing.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

Thank you for sharing your story. I always love your journey on the Appalachian trail. You are an amazing person. Love watching your videos 😊

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Just do what you're . tell you. I got joint pain, and I'm going to get checked out for something . And you doing all some job. Keep your head up hi. Password around. You put a smile on face every time you hike or show us how you did so I can learn what I can do. Thank for all the content

What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing your incredible story and your encouragement for others.

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I watched your journey as it was unfolding, as well as Lil' Chaps. I have to admit that I was living vicariously thru your vlog. I, too suffer from RA so I was particularly inspired by this video. I plan to begin a NOBO in late March of this year. This video was just another message from the universe to me that I'm doing the right thing. Thank you!❤

Always safety first! Great hike, beautiful.

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Always!

An inspiring story from a tough lady. I have always admired your honesty and determination. There are WAY to many other people that want to discourage folks from chasing their dreams. ( If we had no dreams, or something to look forward to, there would be no reason to live.)

You’re so inspiring! Thanks for telling me your story. Mine is similar and can totally relate. I’ll remember this video. 🥾👊🏽

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you

Thanks so much for sharing. Can't wait to see your next adventure.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

More to come!

Good for you. I was a quadriplegic on a ventilator in the Army. One Dr. said that I'd be dead within a week. Another said that I might live but I'd never walk again. The defiant German (or was it Swede) in me promised myself to get back at them later. Six weeks later, I walked out of Walter Reed. Mental strength can overcome many obstacles. My late wife was an RN and she used wheat germ products from a company in CA to treat arthritis in our Newfies. It seemed to work well. So, a friend tried it for her arthritis. She claimed that it worked well and stopped her migraines. That was over 20 years ago. I don't know the name of the company but the pills were "sod cat" and "dismutase". You might want to look into something like these. Good Luck, Rick

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

What a crazy inspiration you are huh? And thank you for the suggestion on wheat germ. Very curious indeed.

@richardross7219

7 ай бұрын

​@@hikingdancerThere are many of us who have over come the odds. My wife and I always thought that I'd end up back in a wheelchair. When we built our house, we made it wheelchair accessible in the main living floor. One of the closets can be converted to an elevator shaft if needed to get to the basement. Good Luck, Rick

@sueb860

7 ай бұрын

Interesting!

Thank you for posting this. I am in my '50s and have always been active; running, yoga and all of that. For the past year I have had joint pain and fatigue. I will see a rheumetologist in December and am afraid this will be RA. When you said running was in your soul I got that. I am so sad that I can't even go for a walk because of knee pain and fatigue. Your video has given me hope. I am much older than you but also determined to find out what is going on with me and will go back to hike The Camino in Spain. I hiked the end of it and have been wanting to go back and hike it all. It's much shorter than the Appalachian Trail but it is what I'd like to do. Thank you, thank you, thank you!❤

Oh my gosh Julianne, you had me in tears with this story! Thank you for sharing and you are truly an inspiration. It goes to show that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it! God bless!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Been watching since your announcement. Your story is inspiring. Looking forward to seeing where the trails take you. Enjoy the journey!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Thank you for sharing, you can tell it is difficult for you. That Higher Power was not knocking you down, it was lifting you up. The first thing we all learn to do is to fall. You seem to never take "No" for an answer and you keep getting back up. Thank you for sharing your heart and your testimony. We never hear from the teacher until the test is over. Well done and God Bless!

Awesome story Roadrunner...Just Awesome....🙌🙌

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Amazing story. It makes your hike even more impressive. You should be very proud of yourself.

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much

What a story my friend, absolutely gorgeous channel! 👏👏👏

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly

I am so proud of you and anybody that can do it! Incredible humans! I tell ya!!!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Thank you for sharing this RR. The part about dealing with your demons is so true as I had some bad thoughts and memories that kept appearing. By the end, my mental health and positivity was so much better. Big believer now in how long hikes in the woods is one of the best forms of therapy.

Thank you for sharing your story! As I sit here with a knee injury planning a thru hike next year wondering if I should, your post is so encouraging.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

You can do it

I love your spirit

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Inspiring❤

Thank you for shareingThis Roadrunner! I am so impressed with your mental strength, the A.T. is hard mentally without the added issues you carried. I had a stroke in 2021 that took me off the trail. Now years later I am hopefull to be able to hike again and finish my thru hike in a few years. Provided the rest of me doesnt fall apart by then.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

You CAN and WILL do it

I’m so amazed by your story! God worked a miracle in your life and was with you every step of the way and helped you accomplish your goal. Good for you for not letting negativity and discouragement keep you from the trail! Thank you for sharing and giving encouragement and hope to others.

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Great story, make your accomplishment that much more impressive. Congrats.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Great video.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Hi from France ! Great story.

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Hello there!

❤ you’re awesome keep it up girl

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Simply Amazing! - Jiffy Pop

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you Jiffy Pop

This is an absolute beautiful story it literally made me tear up. You are a stong woman. And im personally proud of you for sticking to your guns and not giving up!! And not leting the haters get in your head. Now i understand why your thru hike video says what it says. It all makes sence now. Keep up the great work god isnt done with you yet. Much love ❤️

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

As a person with semi-active fibromyalgia, I can relate to your experience. If I listened to people's negative dialogue including medical professionals, I wouldn't be in the very capable condition I am grateful for. Thank you for listening to you, and for sharing your incredible story, and for taking care of you.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words

Howdy Road Runner, You are an Inspiration. Keep on Trekking 🙂

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Good for you. The mind is more powerful then any circumstance. 🌻👣

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

So true!

I'm glad you're here in this community. I also have arthritis, a severe meniscus injury, 4 disk herniations in my spine with chronic pain. I hiked for 4 months last summer. You can do it. It might take longer but it's possible. Just know your limits and work towards your goals gradually.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely right you are. Thank you for the nice words

What a story. I am so glad you shared this. I really enjoyed your journey. It was not an accident that you ended up on the AT that day in Vermont. I believe it was by divine intervention. Keep on inspiring those around you.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much

Thank you. Yes, as a parent it is beyond hard. My daughter, when she was younger, spent a week at the Seattle Children’s Hospital pain management clinic. She is in college now … better, but not all better. Your story is a label busting inspiration!

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Thank you. It means a lot

LETS GO!

Your story is inspiring, the comments here show how your story affects many people. Thanks for sharing your drive in a way that so many can understand and take their personal action, too.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

I hooked up to your channel with the stealth camping episodes, that were so inspiring. About the AT i watched Won't be back in 2 weeks. But really impressing was The Tahoe Rim Trail Journey. That was a really tough task, to hike this far in high elevation. Absolute surprising to hear from the affection in your childhood. I admire your honesty and the courage to share. Glad to see you in such a good shape. Stay tuned 🙋

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for visiting

Be proud. You achieved a great thing!!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Thanks for sharing your story. Now, let’s go climb those stairs (the ones that substituted for mountains) and get ready for the next. By the way, I think it is amazing that you also became a ballroom dance instructor.

Can relate to your story more than you can believe

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Glad it is something you can relate to

That is incredible! What an accomplishment! I am missing the desire to push myself through the hard strenuous moments. Any advice? I think through hikers have a gift that unless you have done it, you really can’t understand! Love your story! So exciting to see you!! Love love love you Chanel. I lived in Hamburg for 9 months as an a change student. Meet my future husband while there and we have now been married 38 years. Still keep in contact with my best friend name Julianna. 😊😊

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

That’s so neat

Hey Julianne, watched all your episodes to do with the TRT you did earlier before doing it myself shortly after in late August to early September this year. Was kind a strange seeing everything I'd just watched in person. Felt like I knew the place almost. Totally loved the whole experience down there including that torrential historic downpour we got caught in forcing us to zero the following day just short of Relay Peak at the hwy car campground. Was snowing up above with horizontal winds whipping across the ridgeline. Had to hide in the public outhouse alongside the hwy to warm-up after getting soaked to the bone. There were two other TRTers hiding in there as well. lol Most took a zero the following day we heard. So, off to the Uinta Highline Trail next in Utah for my third thru hike. This can become kind of addictive can't it. You take care from Vancouver 😁

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching 🤗

I hope you write a book about this someday. It's a very compelling and inspiring story.

@hikingdancer

6 ай бұрын

I’m not sure anybody would read it

I'd give you a hug if I could reach you 🤗 Just keep hiking until you can't hike anymore. Which will hopefully be when you're about 101 years old 😁 Thank you for sharing your story. I know there's a whole lot more to it, just because there always is. And with autoimmune diseases, it's not just the disease, but the doctors, and the endless tests, and they can't figure it out, and not just the physical pain, but the mental anguish as well 😢 Yep, I've got a few autoimmune diseases myself, and spent quite a few years so sick and doctors kept telling me they can't find anything wrong so it's all in my head 😝 When I was finally diagnosed, and was treated, (at age 42!) it was like night and day! And I could hit the trails 😁 I am a few years older than you, and still have a bunch of autoimmune diseases, but they're mostly controlled with diet. And movement. And being outside in the woods. Nature is healing. City living, and working all day at a desk is deadly! I'm just trying to live long enough to reach retirement so I can just go hiking. All. The. Time. 4 more years! Hike on Roadrunner. Meep meep ❤ Happy trails 🍻

I've been walking/hiking/trail running since I had a heart attack 6 years ago. It's been a slow progression, but last week I did my first 16-mile day on the trail. Diet has been a huge part of my recovery (whole-food plant-based), but when I started, I struggled to walk across a parking lot. I am 58.

It was already amazing that you became an excellent dancer and dance instructor/competitor, which require much movement and stress on the joints.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

🤗🤗🤗🤗 thank you John

Inspirational! Roadrunners "Not done yet".

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

You know it

Thanks for sharing! That's a very inspiring story. I'm 65 now and have dealt with a lot of pain since I was really young and i thought it was from accidents, injuries and hard work. I had covid in 2021 and almost died. I'm grateful for the gift of life but I'm on oxogen now. My son who is 30 now has had chronic pain since he was young and i kinda wonder if that's what he has. I'll have to share that with him. Thanks again for sharing your journey with us! That message could help and encourage a lot of people. Happy Holidays to you and your family! God Bless ❤

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Yes have your son check into that

Thank you for sharing your story Julianne I've been following your channel since the beginning and I"ll be there when you accomplish the Triple Crown, (hint, hint) any thoughts you could share with us about that?

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Soon 😉

Also, as a woman, it scares me to do it alone…but, I would love to accomplish that alone

thank you for telling your story........not done yet.......

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You have much more strength and courage than most people. I could never come close to doing what you've done.

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

💗

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

💕

Don’t tell a hard-headed German we can’t do something!!! 😂

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely

i would have never guessed . do you find that now that you are a thru hiker that movement is key for arthritis . im 67 and have it and a torn meniscus and find that my running and hiking are keeping my knees painfree .

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Yes fitness keeps me going

❤️

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

🩷

Excellent move changing docs, good luck on the follow through! Covid a concern but not the vaccine, please do not entertain other folks myths. So get your vaccines when you are able. Stay positive.

Can you tell how you started dancing sometime? Thanks for sharing.😊❤

@hikingdancer

5 ай бұрын

Yes I will

@sulj3373

5 ай бұрын

Great thanks!

When did you start dancing and are you on maintenance medications for your RA?

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

I started dancing when I was 12/14 years old. I’m currently on no maintenance medication

Prayers in Jesus name !!! John 14:9 KJV Bible !!!

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

It’s amazing what you have accomplished. While I knew the story of your arthritis, hearing your story from childhood to now was inspirational. I wish you many more years of happy hiking and trails. 🤘🏻🥾⛰️

@hikingdancer

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!