It never rains .....

broms
broms Member Posts: 24
edited 8. Aug 2012, 12:43 in Living with Arthritis archive
As he title says it never rains it pours.

I have had long standing lower spine problems since I was 17 (55 approaching rapidly) finally had a three level fusion (L3 – S1) done last August. I saw he orthopaedic consultant last week and whilst it looks like the fusion surgery looks good we wont know for at least another 12 months. I was then told I need my c5 - c7 fusing before the year is out. Was also diagnosed with RA a couple of months ago and put straight on to Methotrexate just to try and get it under control until I see the consultant next month got a phone call from the GP today and my ALT liver function tests are giving cause for concern and I have to stop the Methotrexate!

Just wondering what else can go wrong LOL – sorry bit of a down day today!


Phil

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear, broms, I have a foot in both camps and life is not that straightforward at times. Personally I find the OA easier to deal with because it is what it is but the auto-immune stuff is a whole different ball game. The meds for an auto-immune case are tricky in themselves, I've had more lows than highs with them but that's neither here nor there. I hope that stopping the meth for a short while will sort out your ALT, but if not there are alternatives. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I don't wonder you're feeling down, Phil. This is just one more thing to deal with. The ALT levels may well go back down and enable you to take the meth again, or something else, but you don't need this right now. I'm afraid arthritis is like that. It kicks you when you're down. I fyou're feeling rally rough with it your GP could give you some steroids but it might be better to hold out until you see the rheumatologist if you can. Tough call.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there. How are things today, Phil?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • broms
    broms Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks folks
    just hanging in there at the moment - I see the consultant on the 12th of August so its a case of just keep going and hope they can sort something out then.

    Thank you for comments and apologies for having a moan but sometimes friends and partner have no idea what one goes through!

    Phil
  • friarygirl
    friarygirl Member Posts: 36
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi. hope you dont mind a newcomer jumping in here. hope the pain eases and the new consultant appt can aissit you. I have MCTD and there are other things they can use instead of meth but the downside is every ounce of help can cause problems with something else as you have possibly discovered. Maybe a different drug or dose and also I often find my consultant looks at results and effects in a very different way than the GP does. what is a major problem in the GP surgery can be simply sorted at an OPD! hope its the same for you and they find a new and acceptable way forward for you soon. FG
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    12th August isn't far off when everything's under control, Phil, but it's a long, long way when it isn't. If it helps to 'tell it like it is' on here then you keep popping in and doing so. We've all been there and understand.

    Have you tried showing friends and family some of AC's booklets to help them understand? Or googling The Spoon Theory?

    Friarygirl - I think the reason why a major problem at the GP's is soon sorted with the consultant is because GP's can only prescribe DMARDS etc as instructed by the consultant. They can't alter stuff at will. Only the consultant can do that. Hence frustrating waits :roll:
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • broms
    broms Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for the Spoons story - have passed it on to one or two and it has certainly made them sit up and think a bit!

    Each day as it comes now and hopefully next Monday will bring some answers.

    Phil
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I hope so too. Get your questions written down so that you don't forget anything and, if possible, take someone with you to help remember the answers. And please let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Colin1
    Colin1 Member Posts: 1,769
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Broms seems your having a bad time of it, its awful when these things gang up on you. Seems there is no relief at times. Hope your feeling better soon
    Colin
    WHEN GOD GIVES YOU LEMONS MAKE LEMONADE
  • broms
    broms Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks folks - sadly going on my own but I am sure I will cope :D Just hope that they can get a plan put together . Will let you know how it goes next week.

    Phil
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I wish you the best for the appointment, I hope they can devise a plan. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben

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