Hospital Treatment (Aug - Sep 07)

The original intention was to start me on a course of Enbrel instead of the Infliximab. This was based on the evidence taken from trials in the BMJ. However after I reacted to the steroid infusions the decision was taken to give me Anakinra. Initially it was hoped that things would calm down post infusion. But this took longer than expected. My oral steroid dose was increased form 12.5 mg to 40mg per day. I was unable to receive Anakinra as I now had pneumonia and this could cause complications. My kidney and liver functions were not normal and and was experiencing Gastro intestinal problems also.

Throughout my stay in hospital I was extensivley tested by various departments other than Rheumatology. I will not go into depth with each test but the tests I received are listed below. I was also given two two unit blood transfusions to try and combat anemia. My Red Blood Cell count was roughly 50% down on the norm.

• Daily blood tests
• X-rays (Chest, Throat, Hands)
• C.T. Scan
• Endoscopy
• Pulmonary Function Test
• Echocardiagrams
• Eye Test
  
  

The eye test was given as my vision had blurred. this was attributed to muscular inflammtion and not retinal. I was on a high dosage of painkillers (oxycontin 30mg and oxynorm 10mg as required) as the disease was not responding very well to treatment. I was also taking the maximum dosage of paracetamol allowable. Basically I was waiting for the new biologic treatment. Until then I was waiting for the prednisolone to control some of the symptoms, and the painkillers to make the condition bearable in the interim. The pain I experienced on initial flare up was close to unbearable. The new painkillers were giving me some relief, but not total.