Hi Everyone,

I am on my second day in hospital now. Yesterday I saw a doctor (some junior one), a physio, a social worker (apparently I am dpressed :)), and about a million nurses.

I was fed dinner at 5pm - what al I 70? Was informed when I should be taking my meds - like I don't know LOL

Its great when in the morning they ask you how you have slept - you reply fine and the extended dialogue in your head says perhaps if there were not a million lights shining all night and a nurse didn't come and shine a flashlight in my face every hour I may have slept better.

On the upside I have had 2 IV's of Metholpred (something like that - high dosaage of steroids) Feeling better everywhere but knee and elbow - I know it is just temporary relief but feels good all the same - side effects are not the best - metal taste in mount, head ache and sore tummy. The nurse has also informed me this morning that my tempreture is on the rise every hour JOY.

Saw my personal rheumatologist this morning - she is really good. She had a team of 4 other medical professionals following her around. She has reviewed my medications and has a whole new plan. Stay on 7.5mg meth per week, and humire once a fortnight. Add in hydroxi something and arava and salazopyrn - I have been on this particular cocktail before, however when Arava was added into the mix I got severe stomach cramps and elevated liver tests - however she wants to try again using a lower does of arava - because even though I was experiencing those side effects my joints were really good.

Anyways - have been talking to the social worker who came to see me about starting a support group for young sufferers of RA - he is very keen to help me get it off the ground.

So as I stare out the hospital window from the 6th floor, at the fog covered valley I look forward to the xrays I am having today and the meeting with the occupational theropist YAY. Might squeeze in a DVD or an epi of desperate housewives!

Take care all xxx