RA at ten
Ten years and what now?
Ten years and what now?
I would not have believed it. Cannabis eliminates RA pain.
My feet were the first to become affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but my hands were right behind. They were painful and swollen as big as melons. My knuckles and wrists were affected. My fingers kicked in later. As time went by the tendons in my hands failed to work properly. First the left and then in a little while my right joined in. For a while I lost the use of both hands. I could use my pointer finger on my right hand. I was used to typing the whole keyboard (typing class in high school). So my one finger had difficulty finding the keyboard my brain knew well. Eventually I gained the use of my left pointer, but not the use of my other fingers on the keyboard. So I peck away. The worst of it was accidentally knocking things over. I lost several cups of coffee that way. Glasses. Anything in the way of my poor hands. It was frustrating for me. That has improved. My grip was fine as long as I …
We often forget that RA is a cause of several eye disorders. It is a good idea to have eye check-ups yearly. To avoid dry eyes with moisturizing eye drops. Inflammation affects the eyes and damages them. I am gradually losing my sight because of it.
We are so busy managing our RA that we don’t often stop to think of RA complications.
We know that pain issues are not discussed enough. If you have RA, your pain may be front and center in your life.
My perspective of RA at ten years is very different than someone newly diagnosed. It is something to think about as I get my second book together.
A New Mexico day. My Thera bath kit arrived yesterday and is now ready to use. My RA hands are getting worse.
I had my ten-year appointment with Dr Reiter, my rheumatologist. The grim news I am closing in on the last available treatment for my RA.
The continual ups and downs of a RA life can be frustrating. It is our life though. I don’t mind remaking my starter. I am just glad to be able.