I recently filled out a questionnaire for a rheumatoid arthritis research study in which they asked questions about my current physical mobility. I didn’t think much of the questions until one of them sparked my memories of what my mobility used to be like. It almost took my breath away remembering how much pain I was in and how awful it must have been for Ryan and my family during that time.
But praise our Lord that now I can answer “I have no problem” being able to:
- dress yourself, including shoelaces and buttons
- shampoo your hair
- stand up from a straight chair
- get in and out of bed
- cut your meat
- lift a full cup or glass to your mouth
- open a new carton of milk
- walk outdoors on flat ground
- climb up five steps
Many of you remember when I couldn’t do any of those things without help. I remember not being able to squeeze a clothespin open (or even budge it), dropping the milk container because I couldn’t grip, not being able to bend my elbow to use a spoon, and I remember having to be carried up and down stairs. Those were some of the worst days of my entire life, and yet I am proud to have made it through them and come out on the other side. God provided countless people to help me, fantastic doctors, and a good job that was flexible and had great insurance that paid for the aggressive drug treatments. Because of that I am completely mobile again.
I really hope my answers to the questionnaire help the researchers provide good information to the doctors. My prayer is that those newly diagnosed with RA (like my dad) can be treated quickly and aggressively so that they don’t have to get to the point that I did.
That is wonderful news. I am happy that things are better for you.
I remember you telling me about how horrible this was. What an amazing blessing to be doing so well that it briefly slipped your mind! And how good of God to give us small reminders so we can be THANKFUL…