This is not a very positive blog today. My Prednisolone is now at 15mg and I've only had 4 MTX injections. Nodular Prurigo is very active with sore and itchy nodules all over my back and thighs. But the Vasculitis itch coming from my veins hasn't returned YET!!
I have a sinus infection which is making me feel very grotty, and as my immune system is not working properly (only in attacking my own body) I'm now…
Just a short piece today. I had my final Oncology appointment on Tuesday, she's signed me off and left me to the tender mercies of the Breast Institute. Second mammogram and breast check in December and January. I checked with her how long I would be on anastrazole. She confirmed that currently it is 5 years, but things might change to a longer period in the future. Oh well, perhaps I'm finally moving on.
A 4am start on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (29, 30 September and 2 October) having 1 whole gram (1,000ml) of Methylprednisolone infusions. It was just like having chemo again really. Others were having infusion of RA biologic drugs such as Rituximab and Infliximab. Mine only took one and a half hours - theirs took 6 hours!!!
After coping with anger, irritation, and feeling like ripping everybody's heads off, I did eventually…
Yesterday I had an appointment with my Rheumatology nurse. I was hoping she would be able to give me information about my new treatment plan. We discussed reducing my Prednisolone dose and possibly starting on Sulfasalazine tablets alongside the Leflunomide. She even wrote a prescription out, saying get the tablets ready but don't start taking them until she had talked to my consultant. I went home hopeful and waited…
Good news. I had an appointment with my rheumatologist last week (3rd) and she knew exactly what was wrong, and how to treat it. She doubled my Leflunomide to 20mg and put me on Prednisolone 40mg and Lanzaprazole 30mg. Joint pain has gone, and the itching has definitely improved. Still get some, but nowhere near as bad as it was. Now I'm waiting for her to discuss with my oncologist whether or not she can put me back on Methotrexate…
