RA & Mobility: Are You Worried About Your Future?

Do you ever think about your future with RA?  I notice most people avoid talking about RA as a "progressive" disease.  We are blessed to have biologics and other medications available to us.  These drugs slow RA down.  Still, don't you wonder from time to time just how "progressive" your RA will be?


I started injecting Actemra in January of 2014.  RA was attacking my feet at the time.  None of my toes touched the ground, because my RA is in my tendons sheaths.  My tendon sheaths are tight and inflamed. 




I was anxious to try Actemra.  Gone was the fear I had in the past with previous biologics.  I needed something to stop RA in its tracks.  My rheumatologist told me that she had ten "problem" patients, and she prescribed Actemra for each one of us.


My specialist is highly intelligent, and she didn't mean anything derogatory about calling us "problem" patients.  She isn't the most diplomatic person, but I love her communication style.  It is direct, and to the point. 


I didn't have a problem injecting the new medication.  I had injected Humira in the past.  By the way, Humira shots do sting---even when you warm the med up to room temperature.  I had no problem with stinging when I injected Actemra.  As long as I let I warm up for 30 to 45 minutes, there was no "sting" at all.


Actemra worked quickly for me.  It knocked down my SED rate and my CRP (C-reactive protein ) numbers after six weeks of injections.  It did not stop RA from focusing on my feet. I injected Actemra every week.  Many people inject every other week, and have good results.


Last fall I experienced an abscessed tooth, a sinus infection, and a gum infection all at one time.  I had the tooth removed, and took lots of antibiotics.  During this time I was off of Actemra, and I missed it almost immediately.  The overall stiffness and fatigue levels were overwhelming.


I am back on Actemra now, but I have switched from the injections to infusions.  My fatigue level is better, but my feet are not better. My rheumatologist recently prescribed custom orthotics with metatarsal bars.  I was fitted for those, and I should have my orthotics within a week to ten days.


Once again, I am hopeful.  I am looking forward to getting my balance back.  I am anxious to see if walking correctly helps my knees, hips, and back.


Still, in the back of my mind there is a quiet little voice.  It is whispering to me.  How long will you be able to walk?  Will Actemra infusions be able to halt the joint and tendon destruction?


I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do have hope. I have a great rheumatologist, a great General Practitioner, and an involved orthopedic doctor.  I know they will do everything they can to keep me mobile.


There will probably be a lot of adjustments in my future.  There will probably be many adjustments for you as you live your life with RA.  That is what we do.  We live with RA.  We adjust.  We keep moving............................one day at a time.