All
of us with RA know how it can jump from joint to joint. Sometimes it waits a day or two. Sometimes it waits only an hour or two.
I
have been dancing with RA for almost four years now. I know its moves, and I know how to counter.
I
find myself at a place now that I do not like.
I have run out of moves.
RA
has settled in both of my feet. It is
dancing around in my joints and in my tendons.
My
feet ache. The arches have fallen, and
none of my toes touch the floor anymore.
I
tried to tell my rheumatologist in June that Orencia was not working
anymore. She didn’t agree with me until
my appointment this past December.
When
Dr M. saw my toes off the floor, she asked if I was ready to switch
biologics. I said yes, and before I knew
it, I was holding an Actemra packet in my hands.
I
saw a podiatrist before I saw my rheumatologist last year. The podiatrist just kept saying that I needed
to see my RD.
My
PCP wants me to see another podiatrist.
She thinks he may be able to inject a steroid to quiet the inflammation
in my feet.
And
so I sit and wait. I cannot get in to
see the new podiatrist until the end of February. In the meantime, I am losing my mobility.
I
have tried Epson Salt soaks, and they help ease the aching. I have pain medications, of course, and am
thankful for them.
I
have Lidoderm patches and various creams and ointments. All help, but I’m afraid they are only
superficial.
I
am starting to think I may be past the point of no return. I hope that is not the case, but it has me
thinking.
I
have a scooter I use when I am out for an extended period of time. I use the
carts provided by grocery stores.
This
is different. I am keenly aware of the progressive nature of RA at the
moment. We shall see what the future
brings.
