Quick Skinny : Diagnosed at 21, managed it pretty well for about 20 years, primarily low-starch diet when it hit hard plus loads of exercise.
Mid-40s, pain got bad so was flipped onto Salfasalazine + Naproxine. All great for pain management.
Now 50: Saw my Rheumy today for the first time in 5 years - mainly because I can't tip my neck right or left (ear-to-shoulder) - pretty much ZERO movement, or turn my neck (chin left, chin right) - probably about 20 degrees either way.
He said Anti-TNF may be the way to go. Now 3 month of blood tests, x-rays etc etc and then for me to say Yes or No !!! So just starting my journey of research !
I saw the sticky "Anti-TNF" post on this forum, however that looked pretty old (2003), so just wondered if folks knew of more recent research or had experiences.
I have to say the thought of injecting myself is probably the first thing I need to get my head around - a big mental block - even though it might only be weekly. I hate my regular blood tests - I must just be a big Southern English Jessie (that won't translate for the majority - but might identify anyone in Hampshire that might want a beer and share their experience) !!!! :-)
Cheers, Finchie
