It really was quite a surprise to be prescribed this stuff. I've not actually been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I've got "palindromic" arthritis / rheumatism. Apparently this can often be a forerunner of RA, is still considered an autoimmune disease and on bad days can be very debilitating, but hitherto has shown no sign of permanent joint damage. RA attacks the cartilage and this shows up on X-rays.
I've actually been pretty well in recent weeks, since my last steroid injection, which was mid-August. In my last consultant's appointment, which was a couple of months ago, we discussed the possibility of changing from Plaquinil (quinine) to sulfasalazine, but evidently they decided not to bother. All these drugs are known as DMARDS (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs) as opposed to NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The former slow / prevent the development of the disease, the latter reduce the symptoms.
If the booze has to stop, it has to stop. It's a bugger, but there you are. I'll just have to spend more time cycling instead. And, of course, count the pints I haven't drunk and save up for a new bike.
I think I quite fancy a Ti single speed of the type ridden by the BD (ret'd).
Oh, and Jaded: the Slad Valley is a place with Old Spot and the finest pub lunch I have ever had, in Laurie Lee's local - I can't remember the name of the pub. I think I had better avoid it.
