Hi I'm just about to start my journey on to biological medication, I have had my blood test and chest X-ray. But have received a letter to go to and see the thoracic med nurse is this part of the process or is it because they have found something. As I wasn't told this would happen
Thanks
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Belle76
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I had exactly the same thing when I switched to Rituximab. No warning just a letter to make an appointment with Thoracic unit. In my case there was something showing and I had 1 CT scan and then another to show a larger area. Long story short they don't think it's anything to be worried about. I had a follow up CT after 6 months and there was no change. I had no symptoms and felt fine apart from the usual RA delights. Basically if they see something, even if it's tiny they have to react and you go through yet another process. I still had the Rituximab and after some blips with other RA related things have had another 2 doses and feel much better. It's been quite a year health wise for me but I feel that just about everything has been checked now!
Try not to worry and as always if you can take someone with you to the appointment then that's always good.
Thanks for replying sounds like you have been through it, but they have been on the ball so that's good for you. I haven't start my new meds yet soon hopefully as I want to get off the pain killers, they are playing havoc with my stomach.
Re the pain killers not sure what you are on, have they tried you on ppi's they help with the stomach. I have been on Humira for 8 years, it has been very good for controlling my inflammation, but still need a pain killer. Naproxen in my case. Hope all goes well with your scan. I just had one last Friday, as an X-ray had shown up a small abnormality in my lower right Zone. X
Hi I do ppi's as I'm on naproxen too, but was on ibrufen years ago without them so I think damage was done. Plus you read about they are bad for you too, higher risk of stroke or heart problems
I got a hiatus hernia from voltarol R, I took this for years, it's a balance really, and finding what works for you. Going on a low carb, high protein diet and excluding gluten has improved my stomach.
I'm trying the 5:2 diet as it's meant to trigger repairs in the body rather than replace damaged parts. I already follow a gluten wheat and dairy free diet due allergies and intolerances.
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