Hi everyone,

Well I've started Azathioprine and except for a pain in my chest radiating through to my back (and not every day), so far so good.
I am only on 50mg at present, doubling up to 100mg in the next six weeks.
I've had no other side effects so I hope that is good news.

As for the steroids I've already put a little bit of weight on, and people are beginning to say I'm looking better (don't you just hate it knowing it's
because you're putting weight on

I had a wonderful holiday, feel very rested and must say it ticked all the right boxes.

My husband was well taken care of by our excellent neighbours on both sides, of course the proof will be - will they do it again?

One thing I am becoming aware of is how very rude so call 'professionals' can be. Receptionist, administrator's, hospital officials etc. I am now a full time carer
and I have been met with the rudest most insensitive comments I've ever experienced. My husband needs regular visits to just about everywhere. When I phone with any issue
you can think of I am met with hostility. There is no need for it, I know that some patients and carers might be very unpleasant, but not all of us, we're just doing a
difficult job made worse by their attitude.

Thanks Naomi for the support.
My husband has become funny, pleasant, easy going and fairly laid back since his stroke, and that is a real bonus to me.

I was thinking today what bothers me most about my own health, and I was surprised when I thought the lung problem rather than the RA
to be more concerning.
I know it was the RA that caused it, and the heart problem, but the idea of a progressive lung illness that will slowly make
breathing more and more difficult frightens me.

Azathioprine still ok, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Gogs

Hi Gogs - so pleased to hear you sounding brighter - it's good news that the Azathioprine is working well for you. I'm sure that a good start means that it will be successful for you in the longer term. It's also nice to hear that you and your husband are getting along even better - that's my experience too - my illness has definitely made our relationship deeper because we have to talk about it and that keeps us very close.

One tiny word of warning - do keep an eye on your weight, especially with Xmas coming. It's easier to manage the odd few pounds but it can have a nasty tendency to spiral out of control when you've got so much on your plate. I do slimming world and I find the social aspect is especially valuable - everybody has health issues of one sort or another so chatting about food gives us all a common link.

Have a really good day - Sylvia xx