It starts with the person sitting in their living room kneading their hands. Was it too much time sewing or knitting or more likely working in the kitchen slicing onions or other vegetables? Either way it starts with a soreness and stiffness that begins to be more and more noticeable over time. This spreads and soon shoulders and elbows start in and then the legs. The soreness and stiffness continue on and then with the legs strength and balance issues click in. So, it's somewhere between the sore fingers and the eventual wheel chair that I find myself in now and worry about daily now. Yes, I'm talking about arthritis. Not the kind with the rash or the partial type isolated in one particular finger, it's rheumatoid arthritis. They say it won't kill you but it can make you wonder on some days if it wouldn't just be a lot easier if you just "weren't here" anymore. Yet another thought that plays on the mind along with the constant pain even with the powerful weekly injections. I don't know what folks did one hundred years ago but without those shots a wheel chair is likely the only option. I found that out when I visited my arthritis doctor and switched medications. After one month with no meds of any kind my last checkup went with finding the first wheel chair at the clinic door to get around their office. After starting the injections with my original prescription once again it took three weeks to "get back on my feet" once again. But aside from that let me tell you what happens to the crossdressing "hobby".
I noticed the weakness in my legs at first, the ankles go and being where the most joints are the toes go the same route as the fingers and wrists. I used to be able to do my 5 inch stilettos all day but it wasn't long until my feet wouldn't take that position anymore. Imagine taking two rolls of dimes and putting them under your toes at the foot joints then putting on your shoes. I found out that with the RA the toes are far more involved with balance then I ever thought! So with the leg weakness and balance issues the heels, unfortunately have been gone for a couple years now. Even if one could do the heels just the height and the weakness and the wobble are too much to add to the thought of falling. I am nearly certain the old saying "I've fallen and I can't get up" came from someone with arthritis. With weak leg muscles you better have something to pull up on with your arms to get back on your feet for sure!
Gone are the days being able to swirl about the house, heels clicking, nylons zipping and skirts rustling. There is a whole range of dressing issues also associated with the bane of arthritis. I used to be able to do my hair and got pretty good at makeup but over time my hands no longer had the precision needed for the job. I finally quit when I looked like a beginner once again. And jewelry? hooking the small hooks or even putting in earrings is nearly impossible, you might just as well try in in boxing gloves for the same effect.
Clothing is more of the same. Tiny buttons, those multiple hook-and-eye fasteners and even something as simple as a stocking garter are getting to be out-of-the-question. And in thinking of zipping up a long dress back zipper alone? Forget about it, the arms aren't flexible enough anymore.
I could go on but you get the point. Does arthritis "cure crossdressing?" Well in my case it pretty much has. The problem is the thoughts and memories are still there so I guess I will always be the same as I have always been.
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Ok, it's not as fabulous as a beautiful dress, stockings and suspender belt, several inch heels, etc. But, you can still dress as a woman.
, That is such a sad Story, I feel so sorry for your pain, 
o**
