Rheumy appointment F2F - good outcome...

[Brushwork]

Good morning,

I had the appointment on Monday, to follow up and review everything: -

I am taking the sub-cut Tocilizumab. The first 4 months were amazing, life back 90%. It was truly wonderful. Then I started getting a few aches and pains again with an RA feel to them and occasional days of fatigue. At about month 6 I started to get a mild allergic reaction, injection site redness and a cough which lasted a day or so then disappeared, also began to get more migraines. The reaction gradually lasted longer, both cough and itchiness, till it was lasting the whole week. I began to take an antihistamine after a chat with the biologic nurse. Then I started to get flares, short term 8-24 hrs in my shoulder or knee, and more joint tenderness in my fingers and hands...

So. Much discussion with Rheumy, concluded in I am still 80% better than I had been for years. Changing meds could cause more problems than it solves, and things are currently manageable on Tocilizumab. However, if things change - I have a steroid plan available at the GP and will change to Sarilumab if things get out of hand, without needing another appointment first. Any changes or problems to contact the specialist nurse. Flexible next appointment by phone if all is well, F2F if I feel I need it, in 4 months. I also have a referral to physio for an ongoing elbow problem.

I am so, so, so lucky to be under the care of such an amazing Rheumy team!

It's a lovely day here on the Moray Coast. Go gently and enjoy the moments...

[Ascidian]

Great news. That sounds like such a pragmatic solution - you can be assured of rapid assistance if you need it, without having to go through all the history again, and the rheumy team are freed up to help others. Brilliant!

[allanah]

Good news , great you can have a reasonable conversation with them xx

[nomoreheels]

That was a very good appointment. Excellent follow up plan/access too. I just hope you don’t need to utilise it.

[Marionfromhappydays]

Hope things calm down in the reaction aspect of things, I guess looking at the overall picture to be 80% better is awesome isn't it. Who knows it might return to where it was initially 🤞

Nice to have such caring people look after you x

[Hidden]

That’s good news, well done you.

[Sheila_G]

That is what I call a result. Very pleased for you.

[stbernhard]

It is great when you have a good team that actually care! Let's hope you can stay on the med and the side effects diminish.

[wilbertjellyfish]

🙌🙌