A New Arthritis Hell

[Tim Marlow]

Sounds positive Dave. Hope they get the meth dose sorted out quickly for you. However, if they can’t, don’t worry as there are many other treatments they can use.
I find flares happen if I get too cold or if the atmospheric pressure changes rapidly due to storm fronts or suchlike. Stress also exacerbates the condition. Funnily enough other infections (I’ve had covid twice and a few colds since I was diagnosed) tend to make it better as your immune system goes off to fight something else and leaves your joints alone for a while. I’ve also found swimming helps, especially with flares. Arthritis gloves are also useful if your fingers start stiffening up. Wear them overnight and your hands will be much better in the morning.
I’m on 20mg of meth with no issues, and some treatments (cancer I think) get it up to 80mg. I was started on 15mg (six tablets) then it was upped to 20mg (8 tablets) after 18 months as the condition worsened. Now on 20mg subcutaneous injection, which is more effective with less side effects than the tablets. Easier to handle as well. Just had the tests done for my next Retuximab infusion, so should start that before Xmas. Apparently the second dose is even more effective than the first in most cases, so I’m looking forward to it :thumb2:
It could well be that your renal function is a little up in the air after sorting out the diabetes and they want it to settle first before upping your dose. Are you on weekly bloods at the moment? I was until they were happy the meds weren’t doing any damage, then they were moved out to monthly.

[davecov]

I'm on fortnightly blood tests right now, Tim.

Dave

[Jim R]

Very glad the diabetes is under control. Down to your own efforts so well done. I hope the improvement in your RA continues and the medicine dosage is sorted.

[Tim Marlow]

I'm on fortnightly blood tests right now, Tim.

Dave

As soon as it settles they’ll drop it to monthly Dave.

[davecov]

Following my last optimistic update, here is another update that is not so good. I have been taken off Methotrexate due to my white blood cell count being much, much lower than it should be given the dose (10mg) that I have been taking. In September, the count was normal but it is now way down and my doctor is worried that it may be due to other reasons and not just Methotrexate. My doctor is contacting my Rheumatology Consultant today to ask for some advice and he said that it could be that I won't go back onto Methotrexate. We will see.

Because of the low white blood cell count, I had to give more blood on Tuesday and have a urine test to see if there was any blood. Also had a prostate examination. Thankfully, that and the urine tests were clear. I was due to be away from home until the 9th January but I now have to be home for the 4th when I have to give more blood. I also have to go to hospital for more comprehensive tests some time in the New Year.

Just a case of wait and see now.

Dave

[Tim Marlow]

That’s a blow Dave. Plenty of other things they can put you on, but they need to get to the bottom of this first. Seem to remember having a large battery of bloods done, chest X-rays and a CT scan with contrast before I could even start on it. These things always seem to happen at Xmas….hope you have a good one despite this set back.

[boatman]

HI Dave jen an i are very sorry to hear you are still not well for christmas an we hope you will get better results in the new yr
ATB
from jen an i

[davecov]

Thanks Tim and Chris.

Ironically, Chris, I haven't felt so good for ages - probably due to stopping the Methotrexate that always made me feel queasy for 48 hours or so.

Dave

[Jim R]

Sorry to hear that Dave. Tests are worrying but necessary. Best to get to the bottom of the problem and get it sorted. Just very stressful not knowing.

[Lee Drennen]

Sorry to hear this Dave. Seems my is hurting more this year I have the same thing you have but I’ve noticed my hands are hurting more and more just to think of putting a model together makes me cringe anymore. Hope you get some relief I’ve had Arthritis since I was 11 years old now I’m 55.

[stillp]

I hope they can find some more suitable medication for you Dave.
Pete

[Richard48]

I can sympathise as my wife has had Rheumatoid since she.was 17.Shes had over 24 ops to replace joints over the years.They took her off Meth after she ended up with a perforated duodenum.She takes Etoricoxib on nights before she goes into work.I have type 2 and between us not a decent body hehe.I keep the diabetes fairly under control apart from dodgy stomach with certain foods.Im 54 so not a youngster.We manage pretty well and my crafts keep me ticking along.Id love to do more modelling but sitting for ages gives me problems.All old crocks now.
Hope you get sorted.
All the best from Richard

[davecov]

Hope everybody had an enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. My latest update on my Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

It is now a month since I last took Methotrexate and to be honest I feel better now that I am off it. It never seemed to make any difference except to make me feel ill for a couple of days after taking it. My Rheumatoid Arthritis has been manageable with only occasional flare ups. In fact, so manageable, that I am currently building an Airfix Airco DH4 and will attempt rigging it!

I was in touch with the hospital Rheumatology department to discuss Methotrexate, Diabetes and bloods. It turns out that there is a concern that I have a "low white blood cell count of 3.1" and a "neutrophile count of 1.30" which means that I have a low resistance to infection and disease. Apparently, the low neutrophile count showed up in my blood tests in September but nothing was said at that time.

I am due to begin taking Sulphasalazine but can't take it until my bloods are sorted out. For the next six to eight weeks I have to have full blood tests every two weeks and the target for the neutrophile count is between 1 and 1.5. I also have to have a Colonoscopy at the end of this month and an Upper Endoscopy in February. After all that, I have to be counselled on Sulphasalazine before I can take it and that counselling will take place this month.

On the Diabetes front, my blood glucose level had shot up but that was to be expected at this festive time of year. My partner, Aileen and I, both celebrated our 65th birthdays, eight days apart each side of New Year, so we have been having lots of birthday cake to go along with Christmas goodies! Since returning home from Aileen's at the start of this week, I am pleased to report that I have lost 4 pounds in weight and my Blood Glucose has reduced by quarter. Still a way to go on both fronts but I should be okay although Aileen's first grandchild is due to be born within the next two weeks. I will try and show restraint, honest!

Dave

[Andy the Sheep]

Glad there are some initial improvements, Dave. :thumb2:

[Jim R]

I'm glad that you've had some good news Dave, especially regarding the diabetes. Still a way to go but ....

I am currently building an Airfix Airco DH4 and will attempt rigging it!

..... that's gonna be a challenge but the fact you're prepared to have a go shows that issues are going in the right direction. Happy birthday to you both.