Chronic Pain

[redheadstep]

Hello,
I was diagnosed in 8/08 as having RA. I went to a podiatrist for what I thought was an EXTREMELY large bunion on my left foot. It had been getting larger for 6 months when I finally saw the doctor. She immediately diagnosed the "bunion" as a rheumatoid nodule. Through xrays, labs and a rheumatologist consult, it was confirmed. The pain is extreme. I have one pair of shoes I can wear for no more than about 1 hour. It's been 6 months since I was diagnosed. I have no medical insurance, which is why I haven't had it removed. Even if I did, I was told it might reoccur and need to be removed again.
At present, my left foot measures 5.4 inches across at the widest point.
My right foot isn't that great either; a few of the toes are disformed and painful. Also, my right inside ankle is swollen with what appears to be a possible nodule.
Does anyone else have this problem? I would really appreciate knowing what kind of shoes you wear. Also, if you had a nodule removed like this, was it worth it and did it reoccur?
My RA is also in my hands, but not as obvious or painful as my feet.
To make things worse, I have a herniated lumbar disc with nerve damage and the pain I experience daily is also in my lower back and both legs. I can deal with this better than not being able to wear a pair of shoes and able to walk for more than an hour.
Does anyone else have these same conditions? Any help or suggestions would be extremely appreciated!
Thanks, Kathy

[Truth Seeker]

Buy some open toe, open heel sandals, make sure that the heel is wide enough to maintain balance, no strap on back of heel.
You may have to wear this type of shoe summer as well as winter, consequently stock up while you can, because they are almost impossible to find in the winter.