Some developments and phone calls

Sorry but this update is a little later than I  said - some weeks are just busier than others I guess and I'm afraid that I never quite got round to it.

I emailed the rheumatologist on Sunday night about the CT scan and then promptly had a horrible flare up on Monday which kept me off work and in bed. Luckily I was at home when the Dr phoned. He reassured me that the scan was just because some things were not clear on the X-ray and that the scan would give a better picture. He also put me back on oral steroids for a while, although I still have some pain in my neck and wrists even after taking them for a few days. I was really impressed that the email resulted in a phone call barely 12 hours later. Well done NHS Scotland.

All the people that tried to reassure me that the reason for the scan was an unclear X-ray - you were correct. Thanks for trying to put my mind at rest!

The Tuesday was the Respiratory Clinic and, to be honest, there was just a lot of breathing in and out - albeit into a machine. Not the most exciting thing that I have ever done!

I got another phone call from the doctor with some results on Thursday. The scan found that there was some slight scarring on one of my lungs which was the reason that my breathing had been poor but that the breathing in and out machine said that my lung function is fine. To be honest I've recently found breathing easier,  although I may just be getting used to the slightly reduced functiom. I've definitely been coughing a lot less though. 

As a result of the above I have been prescribed Methotrexate.I will now have to read the booklet I was given! The lung scarring is linked to the RA and will not get better but the medication will stop it from getting any worse. I also have to arrange for blood tests at the GP's surgery. I've got the first one a week on Thursday with two more to come two weeks apart.

Another phone call today - this time from the surgery. The prescription for the Methotrexate, has been raised and it should be with the chemist by Thursday - not long now then. 

As a matter of interest (or not) I've found that phone calls from health professionals all seem to come from the same number - and you can't phone it back.

I drank a lot on Saturday and discovered that the amount I drank had an adverse effect on my RA on Sunday. I'm still at the experimental stage with working out how much booze I can have without ending up in too much pain. 

Apart from Monday, last week was a pretty good week and I am still able to feel pretty optimistic. I worked three days and the Dons winning certainly helped a lot. Let's see how I am after a full working week and a Saturday whisky gathering!

It's always wonderful to read comments so keep them coming please. I would also really appreciate it if you could share this. Thanks.

As a footnote - our NHS is wonderful we need to fight tooth and nail to keep it free.

Take care and have a great week.

Cheers.

Rob