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I now live with osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout – the latter always feels uncomfortable to say as it has a bit of a stigma surrounding it.
After the war
I went to the first Gulf War in 1990 as a very fit soldier. On my return I had to deal with a few psychological issues, which, to be honest, are with me today. I was not, however, ready for the changes in my physical health that came at me one after the other.
Firstly my breathing became laboured which became asthma, then my lower back caused periods of immobility; OK, I thought, we can deal with this.
Then the knees went and the feet, then the hands followed by the neck and arms. OK I thought, we can deal with this. Twice I was given an injection to help me walk – and lucky me it caused central serous retinopathy, which means it affected my central vision. Reading is most difficult. OK I thought, we can deal with this.
Finding support
However, what I cannot deal with are the disjointed support systems. I contacted my rheumatology nurse during a severe flare up. She asked if I could come in and see her. ‘No,’ I replied, ‘I cannot walk.’
The nurse suggested I contact my GP for help – 'OK,' I said. I contacted my medical centre and they offered a home visit that day. My GP contacted me prior to the arranged visit and asked if I could come in and see her. ‘No,’ I replied, ‘I cannot walk.’
Do you have painkillers?’ the doctor asked. ‘Yes,’ I replied. Well take them and see how it goes was the response. OK, I thought, but I cannot deal with that because I cannot move. I sat on the floor until my wife came home because she could deal with that.
I have asthma, but it has never been discussed – as it should be – in relation to me being prescribed sulfalazine.
Stevan Melia
