After finally being diagnosed as a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer with a huge rheumatoid blood factor of 75, I only expected the pain and swelling to get worse as I got older, I had been suffering for many years but continual misdiagnosis from my GP practice did me no good at all.

After several failed attempts to ease the pain and swelling my ship finally came in. The senior rheumatologist went on to pastures new and I was passed on to his replacement. On Monday of this week he gave me two massive steroid injections, these will be required every 3 months for life, but what the heck? He also changed my oral medication to one that doesn't require alcohol abstinence. Four days later most of the pain and swelling has all but disappeared, I am even running up stairs, something that I haven't been able to do for years, so lucky me, I feel 10 years younger.

Good news...enjoy

Now that is a bloody good Christmas present, enjoy.

That´s really good news. Celebrate in style. xx

Happy festive season crookesey, long may the better times continue.

It's very refreshing to be able to say that the National Health Service has served me well.

The NHS seems to come in for a bit of stick at times, but personally I can't speak too highly of my own experiences, especially in recent times.

I would like to thank you folk for your good wishes and in turn wish everyone seasons greetings.

How marvellous, I bet that's the best Christmas present you ever had!

Good on you pal. And good news that you can still enjoy a wee one on those dark nights when the demons are about.

Still going well, minimum swelling and pain, I just expect to wake up and find that it's all been a wonderful dream.

Have faith in your new doctor. Off with the old, in with the new.

Just thought this morning whilst pulling on a T shirt, this simple act of dressing was horrendously painful, prior to this weeks events. I am not at all religious (but given time), but find myself walking around with a smile on my face and a huge debt of gratitude to Doctor. S. Khetan in my heart.

Good news indeed ... can´t wait to see what you post when you´ve had a tipple

Spoken like a true optician.