It's been a while

It's been a while, sorry, but sometimes not a lot happens as far as RA goes and I assume that you are reading this to hear more about the rheumatism than the other, sometimes very boring, things that happen in my life. Let me know if you do and I will put more of that in the blog.

A day or two after returning from Ibiza I had a cold - not sure exactly where I caught it from but it really hit me quite hard - especially as I rarely get colds. I was back to work on the Wednesday but the following Monday was a horrible day as I still had a stinking cold and also had a bit of a flare up so I ached all over. I must admit to feeling a bit sorry for myself and, in retrospect, I probably should have stayed in bed but, like most teachers, I feel guilty if I don't go in. I felt much more like myself on Friday but it did make me have a wee think about retiring properly. Let's wait and see on that!

On Tuesday 7th I had a phone call from the Early Arthritis Nurse which was pretty informative. She also said that I could cut my blood tests down to once a month which is brilliant. She explained how Methotrexate works which was a bit scary but interesting. Basically because RA means that my immune system is attacking stuff it shouldn't the Meth suppresses my immune system which is why I am much more susceptible to infections. This explains the cold! I was also warned again about drinking alcohol. I am supposed to stick to within the government guidelines and also not binge drink. I'm going to have to be careful at the next whisky night.

There is a benefit to being immunosuppressed though - I received a letter with an appointment for a spring Covid booster. Unfortunately I am away on the day so I will have to change it.

I got a letter today with an appointment for a CT scan. Once again it was totally unexpected so I again am left wondering if it is routine or if someone has spotted something in my bloods. Wonderful as our NHS is I wish that they were a little better at communicating with their patients.

On Monday Marian and I took the bus down to Stirling to see Louise and Chris Rogan at the Stirling Folk Club and rather excellent they were too. (Thanks Chris for always sharing this blog.) My body seems to have more or less survived the bus journeys. 

As I type this Rishi Sunak has just announced the date of the General Election. I am not going to be too political but I hope that when you vote you will take into account which party you think will be best for our National Health service.

I owe the NHS a big thank you - so thanks, once more, goes to it. The people who work for it are wonderful and do great jobs.

As always please share this and comment. I really appreciate your comments especially about whether you would like more about other parts of my life. Don't be shy.

Take care of yourselves and others.

Rob

Comments

  1. Anonymous23 May 2024 at 01:58

    I do enjoy reading about your life with arthritis. You're a very busy man, and are making the most of your life. I too hope the next government remembers the nhs. As I have needed the nhs throughout my life, to aid me to walk.

    ReplyDelete

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