Re: Thurs visit with Rhumie ...

[Guest guest]

> Thanks for all the great support!

> -Sandy

Good news Sandy, I am glad you are able to take the sulfa drug, I am

allergic and MTX was my only option. I also cannot take predisone, I am

on an anti-inflamatory salsalate, but not the full dose, it is too much

for me.

I too have a lot of swelling, mostly the knees and hands. But my feet

and ankles have been known to get large after a small shopping trip. I

only go if I have to, and pushing the cart is so hard now. I only go

for emergency things, if I am out. I actually miss shopping, I loved to

window shop in the malls, get ideas for decorating and crafts. I hope

the day comes when I can do this again, even in 2 hour trips.

I too was told that exercise with some swelling is OK, but not when it

is too bad. I do stretches and ice when it is bad, continue to walk as

normal as possible but slowly. Sitting still, just freezes up my

joints, and wow the tendon pain especially in the ankles is a killer,

or as my hubby calls it the " Mummy walk " . I have to laugh, it is my

only sanity. I am only allowed to do water, no impact movements and the

PT is going to help me set a routine.

Cheer's to you! I think right now, up is the only way! Good luck.

Kay