RA & Mobility: Will Actemra Save My Feet?

I am three and a half years into my "official" journey with RA.  Like most of you, I have had RA "jump" from joint to joint.  I've lived through many flares, and I always held onto the fact that the flare would eventually pass, and I would be back to my "RA normal".

What I am dealing with now is different.  RA is attacking my feet and threatening my mobility.

The thought of not being able to walk is weighing heavily on my mind.  In an act of pure rebellion, I did something stupid last weekend.  My husband and I were out and about on Saturday.  I pushed myself to walk.  I didn't use the carts in the store.  I didn't use my cane.

Sunday morning, my feet were so store and stiff I could barely walked.  I slid my socks off my tender feet and saw that my toes were even further off the floor than they were the day before.  Pushing myself to walk was a bad idea.

I saw my PCP this week.  She is concerned because we don't want my feet to go past the point of no return. Dr D has recommended PT for my feet, and a visit with a podiatrist.

My PT will not be PT in the conventional sense.  My Physical Therapist will be using massage, and whatever he can think of to try and loosen the tendons in my feet.  That is our only goal at this point.

My PCP is a gem, and I appreciate her so much.  I have a good rheumatologist, too, but she just doesn't seem to have time to address individual issues.  She has started me on Actemra.  We are hoping this biologic will work well. 

What I want to share with you today is this.  Good rheumatologists are few and far between.  Good PCP's are the same, but it is essential that you have a good primary care doctor to help you co-ordinate your care.

My PCP is my "general".  She knows me better than any of my other doctors.  In addition to that, she understands RA.  An added plus is that she cares!  

Dr D informed me that I have a classic case of RA in my feet. We are hoping that Actemra hopes to slow the destruction.  

It may be a little difficult to see in this picture, but none of my toes touch the ground now. The toe joints closest to my feet are partially dislocated.  

If you develop pain in your feet that does not go away, please see your rheumatologist.  You may need to change DMARDs.  

If your rheumy doesn't suggest anything else to help your feet, you may want to check with your PCP, and perhaps a podiatrist.  There may be things you can do to help your feet while you wait for the RA meds to knock the RA Troll down a peg.