not a good day

nanasue

Hi all,
not a good day and not a good start to autumn/winter. I'm usually not too bad till about the middle of october but already things have gone pear shaped. Saw GP yesterday, my ESR is to 96 up from 81 a month ago, I'm slightly anaemic and in a lot of pain and I think I have a cold coming. She has suggested that I take up the offer of anti-TNF and as I trust her opinion I'm going to give it a go. I don't see consultant till 18th October but will phone nurse as I'd already gone through the screening etc. so she might be able to tell me if it would be a go when I see them or if I'll have to start all over again. She said she thinks it would be a good idea to stick with the painkillers I've got at the moment rather than mess around as the last lot didn't suit me. I hate being like tjis it messes everything up, you can't make plans or you have to cancel and I get fed up being stuck indoors at this time of year. Sorry for being so negative, I'm just having a bad day, hopefully seeing my daughter and grandchildren will cheer me up tomorrow.

Sue x

valval

sue how true it all is the change in weather has hit me hard as well saterday was great sun all day but since then well damp dark and it makes me hurt so know where you are coming from. but they are going to help you and things will improve i am sure of it keep a stiff upper lip and we will be there for you ((())) to help you through good luck val

dreamdaisy

I empathise, I know how rough this is. That ESR figure is too high, has she suggested iron tablets for the anaemia? I had them for about six months a few years ago and they did the trick. Up the intake of iron-rich foods too, watercress is a good source, it makes a tasty, peppery soup, I think pilchards too and some nuts are a good source of iron - however I can never remember which. :oops: We have a morning here of mellow awfulness and yes, it does not help matters. Coddle yourself today and I hope the family visit works its magic. Take care. DD

ironic

Hi Sue,
Yes the ESR is high and it is a good idea to ring your rheumy nurse to get her opinion on the next step for you.
Anaemia will not have helped so no wonder you feel so low. The nights have been unusually quick to draw in this year so I know that you must be feeling apprehensive about the winter months.


Enjoy your day with your daughter and grandchildren tomorrow.
Lv, I x

nanasue

Thanks to all who replied to this post and the one about rib pain. It does make such a difference having everyone on the forum for support and knowing we can all get advice and a listening ear when we need it. I do feel better now I know what I'm dealing with re: ESR and not taking meds when I don't need to. Yes I do have iron tablets, I take one a day all the time as I'm prone to anaemia (even beforeRA) now I'm on 3 for the time being. I do eat iron rich foods, but not liver, I'd heave. I'm hoping I've got on top of the impending cold buy taking echinacea tincture and upping my inhalers. I've also received support from my friend and daughter, now I just need to win the lottery so I can spend 2 weeks in the sun on a lounger by the pool doing nothing, I can but dream !!! Take care all and enjoy your weekend,

Sue x

tillytop

Afternoon Sue

So sorry things are so rough for you and glad that the family visit cheered you up. Really hope you can get going on an anti-tnf soon and that you find it helps your.

Thinking of you.

Tilly xxx