Yippee - I have a date for my foot operation. 7th February at 8 a.m. Only 14 months since GP first referred me and 6 months since the op was cancelled last July! In view of the time I would assume I will be first on his operating list that morning. I telephoned the Day Centre today to find out what was going on and they told me the date and a letter was on its way to confirm. Have to have blood tests 2 weeks beforehand which my surgery will organise rather than spending hours waiting in the path lab at the Hospital and have to stop the Enbrel 2 weeks beforehand and for 2/3 weeks after because of the risk of infection. Will be wearing a special "boot" so that no pressure is put on the toes and ball of the foot so when I am allowed to put any weight on it (after first 2 weeks) all my weight will be on my heel. Won't be allowed to drive for 6 weeks and will have to keep the foot up as much as possible to reduce swelling and inflammation and to keep the area clean.
Seeing my Rheumy on Friday this week so will mention it to him. I doubt he will put me on anything else other than the Enbrel until after the op is over and done with so any flares will have to rely on paracetemol and Nurofen again.
I am just so glad to have a date at long last. No wonder people go private. Wish I had now as it would all have been over by last Spring. The pain in my foot is such it affects walking and throws out my knee and hip - knee particularly is very painful and I can't get a decent shoe on because of the swollen toe as it all rubs and also affects the ball of the foot as well.
Fortunately the later part of February not too busy although his Lordship will have to drive me everywhere which will please him no end (Not). Will let you know how I get on. Just got to sort out my shoulders now which are still causing me problems - may get a steroid injection on Friday when I see Rheumy to settle everything down again. Seeing chiropodist on the 29th January as well so he will make sure my feet are ok in time for the op.
LavendarLady x
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LavendarLady
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Great news about your operation hope it get here soon enough for you. Looks like his Lordship is in for a runaround if your going to milk it nows the time.Hope your shoulders settles down Good Luck. Matt
Just seen my Rheumy today and advised him will be off the Enbrel for 5 weeks. He is suggesting I go onto Rixumitab (I think that's how it's spelt but not sure) after the operation. As I can't take MTX any more, it would be a stand alone drug. So he is writing to the Rheumy Nurse to ask her to get it all set up. Explained about the flare up since Xmas although it has settled again. Think I keep the makers of Nurofen in business at present!
Thanks for all the support - will let you know how I get on after the 7th Feb.
Im probably a bit late to tell you but I just noticed today is the 7th - so good luck with your op LL, I hope it goes well and you are feeling better soon
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