Erika

Erika was only 34 when she had a hip replacement.  Four years earlier, she had been diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and began treatment for the disease under the care of rheumatologist and AFC volunteer Kathleen Price, MD.  But even with medications and careful care coordination, Erika suffered irreparable joint damage.  So in 2009, thanks to orthopedic surgeon and AFC volunteer David Romness, MD, Erika got a new right hip.   Now, three years later, Erika says that’s the one joint that doesn’t hurt.  She’s now scheduled for another hip replacement which will hopefully allow her to walk without a cane and go back to work.  When asked about her care at AFC, Erika takes a deep breath.

“I have an entire team of angels taking care of me.”