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An x-ray but there is an exclamation point and lightning bolts on the hip

What Was That?

Mary Sophia Hawks's avatar image

By Mary Sophia Hawks

3 min read

I went to sit down in my SUV on July 24, 2020, and my right hip yelled at me! I had to change positions and readjust my seat belt to stop the yelling. What was that? My hip did not answer.

Why is my hip hurting?

So started the internal questions that all rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have when body parts yell at them. "Why is my hip hurting? Has my rheumatoid arthritis attacked my hip? Does my hip bone look like a dinosaur took a bite out of it like my knee did? Oh no, am I going to need a hip replacement? How long will I have to be off my rheumatoid arthritis medications?"

Down the rabbit hole I went, digging myself in deeper and deeper. "This is going to screw up my cataract surgeries or I will have to wait. I hate using a walker; it hurts my hands. My balance is already messed up - this is the last thing I need. How will this affect work? Will my recovery be even longer now that I am older?"

In need of a steroid shot for hip bursitis

I sat in my pity party for a full day. Then I put back on my registered nurse hat and began to apply logic. First, I felt the area. I found a zinger spot! Realizing that this came up suddenly helped me to rule out bone damage. (I am well aware that I cannot diagnose, but realization helps.) Then I remembered.

It has been a year since my last steroid shot for bursitis. Bursitis flares in my right hip about once a year. I made an appointment with my PCP for July 30th. He will examine me and determine if I am correct.

I didn't recognize the bursitis right away

Normally, I recognize bursitis right away. This year has been nowhere near normal! Having read your stories on Rheumatoidarthritis.net this year, it is apparent we are all struggling.

Occupied managing multiple conditions and treatment plans

For myself, this has been the year of a major flare, small airways disease diagnosis, iritis with resulting glaucoma, worsening cataracts, and a medication change. In addition to the usual barrage of medications, I have added eye drops 4-5 times per day, 2 different nasal sprays, and an inhaler every 4-6 hours while awake. Cataract surgeries are scheduled for August.

All of this while I work full-time from home. Many of you have dealt with worse problems.

We get so immersed in RA

I bring up this story not for sympathy, but to help each of us realize that we get so immersed in RA that we forget about other issues that may come up. How we respond to these issues is most important.

Taking a deep breath, trying to set aside the emotional onslaught that occurs, and looking at the situation logically can help. You will not always remember to do that. When you do remember, applaud yourself. When you do not remember, blame it on brain fog and give yourself a pass.

Writing down my concerns for the next appointment

Another "what was that" hit me on July 26, 2020. Two of my toes felt weird on the ends. Felt weird? "Altered sensation" might be a better term. Instead of panicking, I wrote this issue down on my list for my rheumatologist. I have an appointment soon. My list is on the Inkpad app on my phone. Otherwise, I would never get to an appointment with my list!

Here is hoping that all your “What was that?” moments are few and manageable.

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