Hello - I didn't renew my membership about 2 years ago but have missed the regular contact with people who know how it feels, so I'm back!

My name is Ailsa, I'm 53 and live in Warrington. I'm still trying to teach full time but am currently in 2nd week of being signed off for a month with a vicious flare.

for those who remember me, I am sorry for 'vanishing'. I had to go on a debt management scheme (thankfully now off it!) with no leeway for any extras. I looked after my parents til Mum died on h er 87th birthday in April. Dad is 85 and has ongoing problems with alcohol and confusion. He decided to move and we found a lovely little house literally around the corner from us. Unfortunately he was in a massive binge and ended up in hospital on the moving day for several days, so on top of everything else, I have been project managing a house!

One good thing has come out of it in that finally we seem to have got lots of other agency support. Tomorrow, I'm meeting with someone from carer's support to see how I can get some more help. I honestly thought you had to be paid to class as a carer.

Treatment-wise I have had 2 successful sets of Rituximab, a 3rd one which had to be stopped due to a scary reaction and a 4th set at a really low rate. I tolerated it without any problems but it had no effect on the RA. I'm waiting to hear back about what is next but have been given the info on tocilizumab and aba---thingummymab. I will look up posts to see what others feel about these drugs.

I've been lingering and reading in the background for a few days but wanted to try to explain why I had to be away for a while. Looking forward to catching up and being around again xx Ailsa

Hi .. welcome back. ditto everything the other Julie said. hope everything works out well for you and there are better times ahead

Ailsa

What an awful time you have had on top of having ra
I've been on here for I think 18 months so we've missed interacting with each other before!

I'm 41 have had ra since 34 I'm on enbrel (weekly injections) I'm on an adoption journey at the moment, have medical so I'm sure ra will put the brakes on the timescales!!

Look after yourself.

Jane
Xxx

Hello ailsa,

Yes I am just still about. I don't post often now but flit in once a week doe nose,

Welcome back, it is late now will catch up in a few days with

Rose x