Aside from the post-winter ickyness of The Feet, the "morning stiffness" and pain of my legs is not limited to the morning lately. The ankles on both sides are swollen and sore, and don't want to bend. The knees are considering their role in all this too, and are being highly inflexible in their positions. And, to top it off, the lower back is at it again, with that dull ache that I haven't had in a long time. Needless to say, I'm whining again.
Not sure why I write all this here -- maybe just to document it so I can look back and see how this disease is progressing. When I first got RA, it was around the time I got Tilly. I used to wake up in the middle of the night from nightmares of a cluster of little white dogs crunching the bones in my knees (yes, it is a gross image, but the pain was pretty bad and I wasn't used to it or medicated for it then.) I had a dream like that last night but they were at my ankles. I guess Arthur has chosen his next target. Of course, Arthur-itis is a guy. lol. Boo. I try to get moving quickly and not stay put in one position too much, but it isn't helping. More steroids? More rest? More activity? It is a moving target. I hate you, RA. Hate you. I have too many things to do with my life than deal with YOU. Go away!
On an art note, I am finishing up some samples for an upcoming class about beading on paper today while my awesome students are creating, too. Then I will bring them up to Artist and Craftsman in preparation of the May class. Will be fun! So glad I have creative work to keep my brain and heart going in the face of what often feels like physical imprisonment. Art gives me wings.
Speaking of wings, the birds are getting restless and calling for brekkie. A quick art link today to a site reviewing notebooks made with medical illustrations embellished with embroidery. Cool notebook for sure!
I love old prints and how they can be developed with thread. These are fun -- but who is hand-embroidering them? Hmmm...
Cheers to Saturday!