I have posted various photos on my Instagram over the last few months that have prompted questions about my daily arthritis routine. So I thought I would go into a bit more detail as to what that looks like. It should be noted at this point that I’m no saint here. I can’t tell you…
Tag: autoimmune
Everything gets attributed to your autoimmune condition when you're sick
Living with an autoimmune disease isn’t easy. When your own body attacks itself, in my case, the fight can start anywhere. Over the years I’ve had it in my joints, liver, eyes, skin and muscle damage and depending on where it is, is what it’s called; arthritis, fatty liver, uveitis, psoriasis and myositis in the…
An upsetting post to write – an update from the Biologics appointment
This post is preceded by: Preparing for the Biologics appointment Trouble on the horizon Today was not a good day. As some of you know, I had my biologics review as it has been three months since the recommencement of Humira. You may also know that Humira has not really been working this time around,…
My top 7 tips for those newly diagnosed with arthritis
Any new diagnosis requires a period of adjustment, time to come to terms with the implications and a good support network around you – however, arthritis is particularly challenging. The chances are it’s a condition you have to manage for the rest of your life, dealing with pain along with potential mobility issues and any…
Coronavirus – why it's a disturbing time for biologics users
I’ve been off work the last week with another chest infection, its infuriating, frustrating and detrimental to my career but unfortunately it’s part of daily life when on biologics treatment – but it’s better than the alternative. Arthritis is destructive; it’s your body attacking itself due to your immune system being overactive and essentially, like…
I am…pain.
I am strong, until I’m not,I am cold but my joints burn hot. I am happy, on the surface,I am not fit but for what purpose? I can love, but not myself,Not yet dying but don’t have my health. I am travelling but in one direction,Followed by shadows, devoid of reflection. Short on temper but…
Humira update no.2 – mixed emotions
Note that this blog carries on from a previous post, which can be found here: http://joelvsarthritis.co.uk/2019/11/25/humira-treatment-update-1-week-in-signs-of-life/ At the time of writing this, I am taking my third Humira injection, so six weeks into the treatment and I very much have mixed emotions at this time. Writing that in itself is depressing for me given how…
Chronic fatigue and still no answers – how do you manage?
So today is the eve of my second attempt of returning to work – however, I still have no concrete answers as to what caused my multiple infections or what is behind this fatigue, the like of which I have never experienced before. Some of the topics discussed in this post follow on from a…
How do you deal with being off work due to poor health?
At what should be a time for rest and recovery, do you put more pressure on yourself than your employer? Living with a chronic illness, you would have at some point needed some time off work. Whether that be due to treatment, a flare, hospitalisation or simply to rest. Perhaps it is just me and…