Aches and pains post

As I posted last night, our chilly weather has returned and I’ve noticed I am now plagued with aches and pains in a way I’ve never had before. In the past I would ache at times but mostly have managed without medication. This year I have found I have needed pain medication on many more occasions than ever before. I have started using Voltaren gel on my hands pretty regularly. This morning I was woken, possibly for the first time, with pain in my hands and feet. I’m not sure if this is osteoarthritis or pain related to my autoimmune issues but whatever it is is definitely on the increase. I need to see my gp shortly so will discuss over the counter medications that will be most effective for me.

Back in February, I got a letter from the immunologist I was seeing privately to tell me that he is no longer working with private patients. I asked for a referral to a new doctor at that time but put off making further enquiries until winter as I wasn’t due for a new appointment until this month. This has backfired on me since the new doctor works privately on a few Saturdays a month and is booked out for months in advance. I did get an appointment but not until December. It will be interesting to see if there are changes in my autoimmune issues when I finally get in again. I haven’t had blood tests done in over two years so will surely need new ones, especially as I was being monitored for autoimmune liver disease due to the type of ANA I have.