My cortisone injection is booked for next Wednesday. I asked to put it off until all of my assignments and exams were finished, just in case I felt worse for a while afterward. Can you believe that, until last Friday, I was still making up December midterms that had been held over because of snowstorms? By the time my appointment rolls around, if I do feel rotten afterward, I at least won't have to worry about missing due-dates or tests.
The downside, of course, is that my hip isn't getting any better while I wait. And as it's become stiffer and more painful, it has also gotten a lot more difficult to hide the fact that something's wrong. I walk with a definite limp, stand with my feet at odd angles, and have trouble rising from my chair at the end of a long class.
I don't really have anything interesting to say about this, except that it's new territory for me. Painful, even slightly deformed wrists, fingers and elbows can be hidden quite easily, but as my limp becomes more pronounced, I'm starting to lose the freedom to disclose RA on my terms.
My policy, I've decided, is just to be honest if anyone asks. "I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my hip is not in great shape right now." I'm 27, in law school, surrounded by people who are, for the most part, friendly and intelligent. I shouldn't have to loiter after class, pretending to take a really long time gathering my things while, in reality, I'm waiting for my leg to straighten out so I can walk on it. So I'm just not going to.
5 comments:
My hips are bothering me right now too...especially my right hip. Although I haven't been in class in a week since I have had pneumonia, but tomorrow we will see after class if I am in the same standing up issue as you are! Damn arthritis sucks!!
I'm so sorry to hear your hips are bad for you right now. I too, for the past year, have a terrible time with my hips. I make sure to rise every 30 minutes just to put mobility to stiffness. If I sat for more than an hour, getting up and moving forward is difficult. I hope you feel relief soon. Hugs. T
Britta - I hope your hip is holding up in class! Sitting for long periods is the worst. And, I hope your pneumonia is clearing up!
Thanks Taz! I never realized how frustrating hip pain could be - my hips were never affected until a couple of years ago. Rising every 30 minutes is a good idea.
I got my cortisone shot today, and the joint is already feeling a bit better!
Good for you, Helen. ~;o)
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