You may remember that I was a bit fed up as I could feel the RA getting worse every day since a depo was wearing off. When I saw my rheumy last month he just said increase mtx to 25mg (with hydroxy and naproxyn), never even looked at my cronky feet or anything, and said see you in 6 months - which was then cancelled and put off for over 7 months.

I went for my physio appointment today, thinking it would be the last one. The physio looked at my lumpy wrist, the one that was hot and red, my feet and recorded my movement range (as usual). He then asked me when I was seeing my rheumy again and when I said it wasn't until the end of September, he went and brought a doctor in from the rheumatology ward to see me. I couldn't believe it. She first looked at getting me a steroid injection into my wrist but when she saw my feet and my other wrist and asked me generally about how I was, she asked me to wait to see the anti-tnf specialist nurse. They took loads of blood and did an initial assessment for anti-tnfs there and then. They have now booked me in for the second assessment in April

It was all very whirlwind but the doctor said it is obvious that the current meds aren't keeping the inflammation at bay. I don't know how I will fare at the second assessment as my rheumy told me I definitely didn't have enough joints involved to qualify. I suppose it will also depend on the infamation markers in the blood tests as well. I only popped out of work for a half hour appointment and ended up being there for 2 and a half hours.

I was a bit flustered when I came out . I don't know what to think now - as I have mentioned before - I'm really worried by the anti-tnfs - I know I should be grateful that someone has listened to me as is trying to help me but am in turmoil .

There's no pleasing some people is there?

Julie

big hugs from me Julie, hope u will get some good advice from peeps on here more in the know,
but just to say thinking of you and try look at it now that they've got their eye on things now,
Hope this leads to good things and right treatmenets for you xxx
Take care sweetie love Lizz xxxx

HI Julie,

I can understand you feeling shell shocked that all this happened when you only went for a physio appointment but thank goodness it did!
By the time you go for your next assessment you will have had time to think about it all and get things straight in your head. You'll also be able to prepare what questions you want to ask about the anti-tnfs.
It's obvious the DMARDs you are on are not controlling your RA so think carefully about giving the ant-tnfs a try, and if you really don't want them, no-one is going to force you!
A lot for you to think about when you weren't expecting it!
Take care, Doreen xx

hi julie,
am gald to hear u got the best treatment today!i can understand how u feel when u feel ur not getting the right attention but all is well n u got looked at today rather than six months later! best wishes n take care xxxx

Hi Jule i am glad some one is taking an interest in you and i agree 6 months would have been along time to wait till your next appointment, i know these tnf drugs sound scary but if i could have been put on them years ago i think they would have saved my joints from a lot of damage , thinking of you , take care ,

Sophie x

Nice to hear that consideration was given to how you presented today. It makes a change from being left wait for a convenient appointment to suit everyone but you. When it comes to the decision re drugs only you, with lots of informed data, can make the decision. However, as a young Mum, I would consider the quality of my life first.

Hope that the next assessment goes well.

Eleanor x

Hi Julie,

I'm not surprised that you're feeling a bit shell shocked and agree that you should not have to wait so long to see your rheumy again. I know it is easy to say try not be scared, but this could be a new beginning and you might find that the anti-tnf drug may work well for you. I know that many people have found a new lease of life on these drugs and as I was feeling so desperate took a calculated risk, and although I have not fared well so far on Humira, do not regret taking it.

Sending you a big cyber hug,

love,

Barbara
XXXXXX

Hi Julie

Sorry to hear that this has all come as something of a shock for you; do hope you are not worrying yourself silly! At least a responsible physio took appropriate action; so rare these days! It's so frustrating having appointments put back when really you need to see someone.

The Mtx is a large dose and with hydroxy and naproxen thrown in it still isn't effectively controlling the RA. Seems like the time has come to reconsider before any further joint damage really takes hold. Anti tnf is a bit scary but they are also fantastic drugs that have been wonder drugs for many. A difficult decision to make but I'm sure with information and guidance you will reach the decision that is right for you at the time.

Thinking of you Julie. Hope you get some respite from painful joints soon,

Lyn x

Good luck to you girl in whatever you decide. However, if your current stuff isn't working then I think you know yourself that you've got to try something else. Remember, they do monitor these things very closely so if you do have problems you'll be taken off very quickly

Stewart.

Thanks for all your messages. I have been shopping for a couple of hours today and had bags to carry and tbh I would gladly take anything they offered me at the moment

I think it made it worse on Friday as I went straight back to work. I had been at the hospital so long I hadn't had time to get anything to eat or drink. Then when I got back, I had a mountain of work waiting for me on my desk, a queue of people to see me, the phone was ringing and when my manager called by to see me, I tried to tell him briefly what had happened and he went away and left me another load of work

I've tried not to think about the drugs too much. I've downloaded the patient leaflets for Humira and Enbrel and will read them later. I know this might sound a bit strange but because of the drama I ended up being in, I keep thinking I may have a miraculous recovery and they will all think I am mad I hope I do but can't see it how I am today. I worry about the wierdest things.

I only have to get through 4 days at work this week then thankfully I am off for 2 weeks for the Easter hols - plenty of time to think about it all then.

Thanks again.

Julie