Sorry I 'vanished' - I have been exam marking from early May till I went away on 31st July. It was a very tough time with school (about to become academy), parents (same problems), A levels and GCSEs at home and struggling with RA.

I started Cimzia, having had a bad reaction to Enbrel and have been very slow to see benefits. I also had to lower my MTX dose due to liver problems and am now on MTX injections (an absolute doddle, if anyone is considering this, and also almost reduced the nausea to nothing) I was determined nothing was going to get in the way of our planned camping holiday and Lancashire coastal path walk in aid of NRAS, but am thinking it has been a bit too much!

We have done some sections of the walk around Freckleton and Wharton, and the section from Carnforth to the end in Silverdale. We were beaten by 2 lots of aggressive cows (seriously! I was very scared!) near Glasson Dock, which prevented us from getting to Cockerham Sands, so had to leave that bit for now. We managed 10 days in the tent but were beaten yesterday by terrible winds and rain that threatened to lift the whole thing! We were pitched at a lovely farm in Silverdale, just a field away from the shore, and had to pack what we could and get out. Tomorrow we will return for the tent and the rest of the belongings.

I can't tell you how good my bed felt last night! I think I have overdone things though, as I have a horribly swollen knee and toothache pain in my left leg. I'd planned to see the GP today but had to go with Dad instead... No answer from rheumhy nurse so will see how it goes over the weekend and get in touch next week if no better.

We are planning to do some more of the walk over the next few weeks. Lytham to Blackpool; Bpool to Fleetwood (possibly in 2 sections) and Knott End to Glasson Dock. Eventually we will link with Lancaster and Morecambe and hopefully get to Carnforth! So if you are around the area and see the strange sight of a windswept woman hobbling down the Prom complete with hiking stick and boots ( the only way I can walk any distance!) - it is probably me, so say hello!

I'll spend some time catching up with everyone's news soon. Wishing everyone some warmth and sunshine, at home or on hols! XX Ailsa

Hello Ailsa

Lovely to see you posting again. Gosh you have been busy with your coastal walks good on you well done.

Sorry your knee not too good, but it probably is with all the walking I hope it gets better soon - need
to rest it.

So Cimzia seems to be doing the trick for you pleased for you.

Rose