Hi Bigdas - Missed yr response here. Weeeeel, doctors in France? They are 'supposed' to be top notch, but so far my experience of em leaves a heck of a lot to be desired!
The first rheumy I consulted didn't even examine me, just looked at my hands, vaguely looked at the scans I'd brought along with me, opined that: 'He'd agree with my UK rheumy, I don't need the biggie drugs' and 'to continue as I was doing.' Then proceeded to tell me about his patients who are coming down with cancers and liver damage, yes, he was insinuating patients with AS, but I didn't question him. One question I would have liked to put, was: 'Why? Surely he blood tests...'
The second rheumy I consulted, a Prof at a big teaching hospital and considered one of two 'leading lights' in the rheumy world of France (!), did examine me. Pronounced AS sans doubt, and told me to continue as I was, and see him in a year's time to check on mobility etc.
My neck is the worst, followed by stomach and gut polyps, followed by feet and shoulders. Great. But the LDN and just this week, plus Amytriptoline, 10 drops, seems to be taking care of 'most' everything: keep fingers crossed!
As for the EOR (Extra-Oesophageal Reflux) possibly Bolus Pharangeous (swallowing can be painful/difficult), stomach and gut polyps - I medicate almost freely, finding out what is best! Like the Bimuno for the EOR, Gavascon also helping, psyllium for gut probs, Lactoluse ditto. COX2, and the Remedeine for pain. Seems to work for me. Hardly take much at all, last had a COX2 about 8 days ago - and that was primarily for my neck probs. Neck is bad..
For ME, I don't need/require the big gun drugs. I am fortunate, I don't have AS badly enough. A 'mild' case as they opine and I agree. Though no less horrible to deal with, especially when in a major flare...
As it is I do have elevated liver levels. No, no one has done owt about em or even suggested owt, but the lab report says elevated. So, think that 'they' might be taking that into consideration, dunno.
BTW Sjogren's can go with elevated liver levels. Interesting. Yes, I have Sjogren's in spades. Great. (Don't weaken, take another pill
).
Molly C (France)
Keeping on Keeping on
