Fast Forward

Today, I had my 38th infusion of Simponi Aria in my final visit to the only rheumatology clinic I have ever visited. Doctors are retiring and I have been working on transferring for a few months. Apparently this isn't the only one closing around here, so patients are scrambling, as are staff. It was a skeleton crew and a much more sad experience than I expected. It brought me back here to this neglected blog.

So, I will update. This medication is working for me. My mother-in-law has also started taking it but not seeing the same results I have. It doesn't exactly come across as a success to say both hands are gnarled to the point that I frequently drop things. You name it, I have dropped it. My toes, particularly on my right foot, have been a significant persistent source of pain and the digit twisting is now visible. But my labs have been steady on SA without MTX. Since 2018, I researched and found reliable local medical marijuana that has been so effective that my blood inflammation lab is down to numbers not seen in years. (High CBD,  about 1:1.5 THC ratio, microdosing. I also quit smoking over 2 years ago using a 1:1 MMJ for 2 weeks.) I also have had several sessions and am continuing with some longer term goals with a person who is skilled in a variety of alternative therapies. So far, my sessions have included massage, dry needling, accupunture, and guasha. I am seeing some slow improvement with those therapies as well - less dropping (still too much, but less). Tomorrow is my next biweekly appointment.

I see a PA at the new clinic next week. It's different but also the same as when I first sought treatment where it ended today. I am insured, I am in control of my therapy, but I am still a chronic patient with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am still a mom, though thankfully spread less thin these days so I am able to rest better. (I haven't even touched on how the pandemic has affected my life - suffice it to say I am immune compromised and vaccinated and my household masks everywhere.) Different, the same.