Today I took my second dose of sulfasalazine. I cannot detect any effect yet from the first dose I took yesterday. Happily, the queasiness about which I'd been warned as a possibility has not yet appeared.
At the moment I'm also continuing the diclofenac three times daily and this is keeping the symptoms down to a very manageable 1 or 2 on a discomfort scale of 10. Indeed, were it not for the bowel implications of diclofenac itself I might have simply stayed on this medication for the forseeable future.
I still seem to need a siesta most days but happily I can get by without it when I am busier.
My drugs cabinet is beginning to look like a pharmacy. In addition to the already mentioned mefenamic acid, diclofenac and sulfasalazine I've also picked up a good supply of cocodamol and paracetamol. I've only used the cocodamol very sparingly as I'm terrified of forming a dependency on the codeine element of it. When I've had to use it a dose has given pain relief for almost twenty four hours. When I explained my concerns about it to the GP she gave me paracetamol instead.
Along the way I also picked up a fair share of alternative remedies including glucosamine chondroitin, cod liver oil and cider vinegar with honey. They may well work for some folks but none of the alternatives did anything for me, though I persevered for weeks.
I have also been doing the stretching exercises recommended by the NHS physio, so far without ill effect. If the weather clears later today I may try a gym and pool session. Failing which I'll try to do a brisk walk.
I am continuing to gradually lose the extra weight I'd acquired during the worst phases of this problem. This is good!
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