The Cytokine Kid looks relaxed on the stool in the blue corner as the medics check him over for infections and take bloods. As they connect the intravenous drip he seems to be enjoying banter with the research nurse referee and Dr M. the Rheumatology consultant.
They seem to be talking about the role of mice and how fortunate they are to get to try out all the latest super drugs before anyone else.
Inflammatory Jack sits glowering in the red corner. He's heard the news of the ESR and CRP points tally of his opponent being less than 1. He looks like a man who's confidence has taken a knock. The seconds tend to his bruised ego and physical improvements - the reduced joint stiffness and swelling,showing the more defined nodules, the lower fatigue level. The Kid should be getting weaker not stronger. He heard he was even finding it easier to get in and out of the bath. It was bad enough when he did the 2 mile walk along Budleigh Salterton beach and back, but at least he made him pay for that, even if it was only feet and ankles and a few achy leg muscles. But when The Kid played that Chopin it really did his head in. Round 1 is not the time or place for Mohammed Ali type shenanigans. Thankfully there were still a few aches and pains as consolation. For a while he had a distressing feeling of comfort in the absence of pain. The Kid might regret ditching those NSAIDS yet.
The Cytokine Kid or Toc H as some call him looks thoughtful as they top up his methotrexate tablets for the next round. He's probably wondering whether he'll be in the taper group come round 6. He won't know. Nor will the medics. The rules of the game are strict. Placebo or not placebo. That is the question.
The bell sounds for Round 2. The Tocilizumab drip is disconnected and The Cytokine Kid charges straight to the centre of the ring on the offensive. How will Inflammatory Jack deal with this new found aggression. He is not one to back pedal.
To be continued.....
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harryhunt
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Dear fellow sufferers, thanks for your lovely comments
From time to time I will update the progress of the contest. Remember it's a long fight over more than a year and each round lasts four weeks. I don't think daily postings will be appropriate so be patient. Each draft takes a little time but lets hope when they appear, all you great people will take heart and encouragement from the wonders of modern medicine. We must never forget the sterling work of these pharmaceutical giants who give so many millions a new lease of life or even a life at all. Humanity would be so much worse off without the genius of their research scientists. Never forget that for everyone for whom a drug doesn't work or suffers side effects there are a dozen for whom it does without a problem. Do not be afraid. There is a medication that is right for you somewhere, either now or in the future and when they find out which one that is your whole life may change for the better. Invariably the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Stay positive and keep a sense of humour. I know some of you who suffer appallingly but still occupy yourselves fully and keep us smiling. I take my hat off to you all. You are the strong ones.
Thank you so much for the link to Robert Service. Brilliant approach to life as is yours me thinks. It seems to me that it is perfectly pitched to keep landing RA with more blows than it had anticipated. Carry on this way and I'm sure it will be pushed to the background of your life where, if it has to continue, it belongs.
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Round and round we go..
Beaten by the bus. But it hasn't wreaked my big news.
Just had a major fight with personnel to get my booster!
My first big flare since diagnosis a little advice please anyone.
Update 2 on stopping medication!!
