Greetings from the dark side

Starburst

The dark side being year 2 of university.

To my great suprise, I am managing 2 days at university followed by 3 days at placement. I'm exhausted by the weekend but I am getting my studying done, albeit not as much as I like but I'm trying not to be too hard on myself. That's no mean feat as I'm struggling again with depression and OCD but trying to focus on positive thinking.

I mentioned a while ago that we got bad news about my mum. We don't yet know the plan but we're hopeful it can be cured with one (rather major and scary) operation. The good news is she has found a lovely carer, mainly for herself but also to do all the things she usually does for me but won't be well enough to. So, that is one less thing to worry about.

It has been a rocky few weeks as I weaned off prednisolone. Took my last dose a few days ago and I'm never ever taking them again. So, if I come on here complaining that I want the instant relief, you are welcome to give me a virtual slap and remind me of what I said!

Leflunomide seems to be settling in well alongside Methotrexate. It's only been about 7 weeks and apart from a bit of nausea, no real side effects. I am in less pain at the moment but increasingly weak which is concerning. I'm limping more and struggling with using my hands. It all seems a bit strange. Not sure if this is just part of the cycle of RA.

Sorry this was quite long. Believe it or not, it's only a brief summary of my crazy and hectic life!

I hope you're all taking care of your lovely lil' selves.

Sophie x

tjt6768

I'm really pleased that you are doing well hun.. I will cross everything possible for your Mum too..
Our Mum's are extremely important to us..

Hope the meds mix continues to help, maybe you could give the rheumy nurse a rung, mention the weakness etc. It wouldn't hurt eh?

Anyway, keep positive, and remember, you told us we could slap your wrists if you mention the going back to the pred again.. Lol

Be well

stickywicket

You are doing amazingly well, Sophie. How you are coping with uni, a bad flare and your Mum's ill-health is astonishing but good for you. You deserve success.

It's also good news about your Mum - scary, but good. I'm glad she has a carer and this will be of benefit to you too.

So, you've joined the pred-heads club! Repeat after me - My name is Sophie and I am a pred-head Actually you seem to have got off it remarkably quickly but we all understand the seduction of those little monsters. I'm glad the lef seems to be helping. Might the 'weakness' simply be because you're doing more? You sound very busy indeed. Mention it to the doc next time you see him/her if you're still nattered about it.

(It's good to see you here again.)

dreamdaisy

My name is DD and I am a pred-head. Well done girl, their loveliness conceals their horror but in the long-run (and your run is very long indeed) they cause far too much trouble to make the relief worthwhile. It's very nearly a year now since I stopped them and I don't even think about taking them even when I could really do with a burst of yumminess (such as now). I am so pleased that your mum has found someone to help and hats off to you for coping with university, placement and life. Take care and good luck with everything. DD

barbara12

Hi Sophie
Its love to hear from you again, I have been wondering how you were getting on at uni, and how your mum was doing..I do hope it all goes well for her.
And you have done so well to come of the preds, just make sure you look after yourself, xx