Orthopedic aids for RA?

Hello everybody!

Anybody with multiple joint damage, your contribution to this post might possibly save some of my mobitity.

I'd very much like to make my story long, but I cant now,
I was diagnosed with acute RA/Psa/unconfirmed MS about a year ago.

I am a 34 y.o. female used-to-be professional, now on disability with severe physical limitations.
I have a 6 y.o. daughter and a husband who'd rather not have a handicapped person as a spouse.

Health care here in Canada doesn't allow me to see my rheumatologist more often than every 3 months.
Family separation listening at the court is in 2 weeks.Meaning my insurance will expire right after the hearing.

I have about 10 days to determine what kind of orthopedic aids might be of most value.

Joints in troube:
fingers - 30% of functionremaining
wrists - under 20%
shoulders - about 60%
hips - 40%
knees - alost 95% (yay!!!!!!!!)
ankles - good 40-45 %
feet - under 10%

I would really like to be at least partially physically functioning single mother.

Any suggestions about any kind of orthopedic support/aid/device would be greately appreciated.

P.S. I have a cane but I can't get a proper grip, my fingers are not reliable enough.
And yes, I Know what google is.

If by any chance there's somebody with similar symptomps and you did find a way to walk straight for at least a few hours a day with a help of an orthotic supply -please let me know what it is.

I truly thank everyone who made it till the end of my messge.

 

Hi There!  Sorry to hear of your bad times.

I have severe RA and have damage in most of my joints.  While on disability I had Physical and Occupational Therapists who mainly decided what I needed.  I was given many helpful items while I was on disability.  For instance, canes, a walker, wrist splints, sleeping splints, orthopedic shoes with special insoles, a higher toilet seat, a bath seat, firm/puffy cushion, a commode, openers, reachers, etc.  The OT made parts that made the windows easier to open and to enable me to lower thmy Daughter's crib easier, etc.  I'm not sure what you mean by walking straight.  A back brace and so on, should also be available to you.

I know the Drs. are overwhelmed with patients here but my rheumy told me to call him when I need him.  I really appreciate him and his help.  I try not to bother him  but he has sllipped me in for a drug change or a shot of Pred. the same day, if needed.

I hope that you feel better soon.

Oh I should add.  Our Gov. supplied us with a downstairs bathroom, a better shower and bars for me in our upstairs bathroom, a second railing on the stairs.  They also offered a riding chair for our stairs and a pull up above our bed to make it easier to get out of bed and a wheelchair ramp which I refused.  I refuse to be wheelchair bound.  This was when we bought our home.  You could look into this on gov. sites.  Sorry, I do not know what one it is now or if it still applies.  It doesn't hurt to look.