I had lung function tests done yesterday (I have mild pulmonary fibrosis) and the physiologist showed me the comparison with the last lot 6 months ago. There is a slight improvement. Then today I received a copy of the letter my rheumatologist has sent to my GP following an appointment last week and that confirms that he considers me to be in remission. The Abatacept appears to be working and he has reduced my Methotrexate from 20 mg to 15mg.
So all I have to worry about now is the sciatica (caused by scoliosis), pain in knees from OA, and pain in left hip and lower back, also OA. I am however on the list for a knee replacement (when the NHS decides to reinstate operations) although the news today about the problems due to flu bugs doesn't make me hopeful that I will get my surgery any time soon.
However I have started taking (not sure whether that should be 'taking' or 'using') CBD oil and that is making quite a difference to the pain. Fortunately the spinal surgeon and my rheumatologist have both given me the all clear to keep taking it.
Finally feeling a bit more positive.
Thelma
Written by
thelmar
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I can 100% relate to how you felt after hearing the results of your lung function test. I also have mild IPF and was told the same as you at my follow up lung function tests last June (first was a year previous). I well remember my consultant's smiling face when he was about to tell me the results. My next, and hopefully final tests are in June this year. If there's still no deterioration by then I'll be discharged...all digits metaphorically crossed for that one.
It's terrible the damage this bl**dy RA can do to bodily organs. My family and friends looked at me in disbelief when I told them about my lungs.
Hope things continue to improve for both of us............................
Any improvement lung function wise is something to be happy about Thelma! Add in your Rheumy considers you to be in remission then, well, what do you but celebrate it! Good news you can reduce your MTX too. Sorry re scoliosis & your problematic OA but hang on in there, the CBD oil may just take care of them sufficiently until there's changes in the NHS. We can only hope! 😀
Like you, I have rheumatoid Athritis, spinal stenosis, and had a knee replacement last year - should have had the other one done 3months later, but i have been so I'll with new diagnosis etc. That the other op for the knee has been put on hold.
Over the past two years, I've been diagnosed with asthma,and IPF. I'm currently waiting on a scan to discover how much damage has been done to my lungs. Last week I was told that I am diabetic - one more to add to the list!
Rheumatoid arthritis has robbed me of just about everything except my spirit.
I use to be so active, as you have to, being a nurse,and working on CCU. I can no longer do the things I enjoyed,like taking my dogs for a walk, entertaining friends and going to the city.
I have fantastic Drs. When I have a "flare up," my doctor always request that my appointment be brought forward with the rheumatologist.
We are all in the same boat,but we must not be too disheartened.Tomorrow miracles can happen.
Have a beautiful day everyone! Love to all,God bless.
Thank you all for your comments. I don’t post on here very often, usually in response to somebody else’s post. Today has reminded me that there is a group of people out there that I can consider to be friends because of the experiences we share. I’ll stop now before I get emotional. It doesn’t take much to make my eyes leak these days!
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