It was time to do his urine test to determine  his insulin dose. He was diabetic. He followed procedure carefully.  He went into the bathroom and closed the door. He picked up his urinal and proceeded to fill it. He left the bathroom and handed the urinal to the nurse.  She took it into the bathroom. She dipped her measuring tape into her patient’s urine. She waited as it changed color. She held it up to the chart. A 2+. She went back to the nurses’ station and drew up the units of regular insulin designated for a 2+ test result. She administered the insulin to her patient.  Diabetic management in the 60s.  Blood glucose meters had not been invented yet.

During that same time, there was not a lot of relief for rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone was new. Methotrexate for RA and all the biologics were a long way into the future. RA  progressed relentlessly until a person was totally crippled and in constant pain. Death would be the only relief.

Rheumatoid arthritis is still not an easy disease. It is relentless on its attack. Pain can be incapacitating. Disability is a common feature.

RA progression can be slowed. Pain can be managed. Life can be good for an RA  patient.  We have the scientists diligently at work in their respective labs to thank for this progress. I appreciate them. Hope you do too.