.....13th Sept
It would seem that Inflammatory Jack has developed new tactics to slow down the Cytokine Kid at the beginning of round 2 - going low for feet, ankles, knees and legs more now in a bit to curtail his outdoor activities. There's no doubt the Kid looks like he needs the magic stool after an hour in Asda, but once in the car things settle down and the Kid actually seems to be enjoying the trip. This tactic doesn't seem as effective as it once did.
The Kid's seconds report that sleep has been a bit of a problem, but mainly because his waterworks seem to go into overdrive at night while during the day he hardly needs to go at all. The corner says the skin round his ankles feels less tight with less swelling but still some minor pain/weakness in knee joints and leg muscles.The Kid says he's at his most comfortable when it's time to get up. Sod's Law he reckons. Any morning stiffness seems to disappear within minutes. This is bad news for Inflammatory Jack who depends on the stiffness, swelling and pain in his opponent to disable him.
IJ's seconds report he's puzzled by news that the Kid has itchy shoulders, neck and scalp. He doesn't do itchy. Interestingly IJ suggests possible use of illegal substances by the Kid. Is he cheating or could it just be the new meds he's on?
Sat. Sept 21st After poor nights sleep, it's a slow start by The Cytokine Kid reading news, computer stuff, collecting apples from orchard and lunch. The Kid let's it be known he fancies a trip to Lyme Regis. Inflammatory Jack's ears perk up.
The Kid and Annie, his number 1 park up and wander down through the town to the Cobb. Inflammatory Jack is trying hard. The Cytokine Kid is obviously suffering in the leg department, and has to take a few breathers to relieve aching leg muscles and painful feet and ankles but still manages to enjoy an ice cream and takes a few pics. He looks relieved to get back in the car and rest while Annie drives him back. IJ has had a good spell and knows it. He tells his seconds if he can ruin the Kids sleep again it'll have been worth the effort.
The Kid takes paracetamol and retires to bed but gets up in the middle of the night for a couple of codeine. Wakes at 7.30 to make tea. Where is Inflammatory Jack. There's no sign anywhere. No aches, pains, swelling, or stiffness.
23rd/24th The Cytokine Kid has obviously overdone things. IJ is making him pay. He complains of pains in upper chest and back, itchy sore neck and shoulders. There's a small, hot, tender swelling on the top of The Kid's breast bone and it's painful to breathe deep or cough. The Kid is forced to take a couple of codeine tablets to help him sleep.
25th The Kid takes a time out for blood tests and flu vaccine, which is a non-live vaccine allowed by the rules of the game. He reports a better nights sleep. Still itchy shoulders but the chest and back pains are not as bad and the tender swelling on the breast bone is no worse. The examining doctor says the fight will not be stopped. A pain in the middle finger tip joint of right and left hands still annoys him when pressure is applied.
An interesting possibility emerges that the Kid's feet problems may not be down to Inflammatory Jack but merely a common ailment caused by years of wearing tight shoes. They advise him to buy bigger size shoes and maybe pad the sore spots up a bit.
(to be continued.....)
love it. I have been on tocilizumab for 13 months & i have never had any side affects from it. Keep fighting IJ my money is also on The Kid xx Alison
If not RA then what is it?
Not the norm RA symptoms, is anyone else experiencing the same?
Awful pain in right shoulder and arm
Numbness and coldness from the knee down
Achilles tendonitis and damage due to antibiotic side effect - odd icy sensation?
