Today I spent the morning at the hospital. Whereas most people spend half an hour in a clinic, I spent two and a half. Well I've never been one to do things by 'half', have I. Here's a quick run down of the highlights:
1. The riot in my mouth is still leaving everyone stumped. I think everyone thinks I'm being dramatic when I tell them my mouth is full of ulcers... until I open my mouth that is. Then the standard reaction I have become accustomed to over the last week is "...OH." So my consultant, my registrar, and even me (in between applying Bonjela, obviously) spent a while tossing about suggestions as to why these ulcers have decided to set up home and seem so determined to stay. And the answer is, we still don't know. So I have had yet more blood taken for all sorts of weird and wonderful tests, as well as a mouth swab. I'm surprised I've actually got any blood left considering the amount of blood tests I've had recently.
2. It has been three months already since I had my first dose of joint juice. You'd think this wouldn't have come as such a surprise given the fact that I am writing a blog counting the days, but no. And losing brain cells is the one thing I can't blame on the RA. But I am pleased to announce that it seems THE JOINT JUICE IS WORKING! Hand aside, I am near enough pain free in most of my joints and my inflamed joint count today was just three. THREE. It hasn't been that low in eight months. SO happy. Not even the knowledge that it is only three months until my next joint juice infusion can spoil this party.
3. That bone scan I had last month showed that my osteoporosis has apparently got worse, particularly in my femur (for you non-medics that's the long bone at the top of your leg). So on top of the joint juice I now also have to have bisphosphonate infusions (or as it shall be known from now on, bone juice). On the plus side, the idea is that it will stop any more loss of bone mass and therefore my bones will be less likely to fracture. On the not so plus side, the drug has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw. And yes, it is as scary as it sounds. To put it bluntly, the bone in my jaw could become exposed and die. But it is fairly rare so, as ever, I'm just going to have to cross my fingers and hope it doesn't happen to me.
4. This happened:
I had my joints injected with steroids. I realise all you can see in this picture is a swollen hand and an excessive amount of plasters, but that's because I was in too much frigging pain to take any pictures at the time. Seriously - I thought RA was painful but it's got nothing on this. I'm actually quite proud of myself; I didn't cry, I only swore a minimal amount, and I resisted the urge to squeeze the 5th year medical student's hand. And on the plus side, it took my mind off the pain in my mouth for about 15 minutes. Bonus.
So there you go, you're now as up to date with my life as I am.
Love,
Cat x
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