I have used a cane for the last few months thanks to RA-related neuropathy.  My self-esteem has taken a blow because I can no longer do some of the activities that I love. I started to think of myself as "broken."

During my flight to Chicago last week, a gentleman seated across the aisle from me went into cardiac arrest shortly after takeoff. Since I am an RN, I assisted the flight crew with CPR.  (Even though my legs don't work great, I can still do great chest compressions!) The flight attendants were awesome and we worked well together as a team.  They brought the medical kit, oxygen and the AED/defibrillator immediately.  It took only about 15 minutes for the captain to get the plane down, even though we were cruising at 35,000 feet.  We did an emergency landing at Talahassee, where the paramedics were waiting for us. 
 
The hospital called the airline later to let us know that the gentleman survived- MIRACULOUS!  He had no pulse and no heart rhythm (only occasional weak heartbeats) when we landed.  I was doing chest compressions during the entire landing procedure, with my legs jammed against the seats for support.  Before we took off again for Chicago, the captain commended me over the PA system in the plane. The rest of the passengers then gave me a big round of applause.  

The flight crew was surprised when they saw me walking with my cane afterward.  We need to remember we are not "broken."  It is important for us to focus on what we CAN do rather than what we cannot. Despite whatever limitations RA places upon us, we can still do AMAZING things!!!