RA Post

Officially had my parents take my nursing supplies to Assured....must say that made for a hard day as well. The better part was the fact that my manager said, and I quote: "WHEN, not IF, she gets to feeling better, just walk in. We want her back." to my mother. I love that team.
They were so incredibly kind when I first suddenly got sick...and were very concerned at my status. Lol, among those who commented, "Are you ok? You look terrible."
"Yeah, no, I feel terrible." 

Further, there is so much disease activity at the moment that I cannot wear jeans because the swelling is so much on my knees I am hard pressed to find any that fit. And my shoes don't fit. So I will be going into my PCP on Monday at his walk in time and ask for steroids---since really I have no disease management beyond pain therapy. I am scared at what is happening to my knees, since they have been locking up with this new surge in swelling. I discovered that even my rib cage is swollen,  but not nearly to the extent of my knees...no respiratory issues noted, beyond mild painful breathing from my ribs.

I considered going to a walk in clinic, but I want my PCP to know what is going on. My rheumy is on vacation until the 8th, but I can't wait that long. I made the mistake of thinking I could and didn't contact my primary on Thursday. (stupid stupid stupid)....

I have created  RA Book, in which I keep a list of all medication ever taken (to the best of my knowledge, both RA and non RA related), all doctors, addresses, all insurance information, information on each appointment/what happened/discussed. Tests, up to date med lists.I have exercise and Range of Motion, but my swelling is to bad to utilize most of them without causing more damage, from all I have read at this point. I've heard that is the best way to manage RA, be right on top of every single whatever. 

What I want to know is....why there is such a range? Like some people are fine and others are like myself and my sister? Miserable and 85 in their 20s. Can you believe I use a cane, and that I want a wheelchair so I could go through wal mart with my husband on a "good" day? That I am using my Great Aunt's shower chair because I can't stand up that long most days, and without making myself horribly ill? Yeah. Some people's RA is out of control craziness, and others are fine.