Thanks for info on ESR

[Guest guest]

Thank you Chrissy, Heidi and Margaret,

The letter from the GP doesn't say exactly what the level is. I have

been given an appointment with him on 16th June. In the meantime I

have an appointment with my gastro on Monday. I'll phone the GP to

ask for more details before my appointment with the gastro so that I

can be specific.

Heidi, my panc is never really OK in that it always grumbles at

me........pretty well every day...... to remind me it's there! It

certainly has been a lot better since I have been taking Creon and

following the low fat no-alcohol diet. My diet wasn't high in either

fats or alcohol before so I tend to put most of the improvement down

to Creon. So I do think it could be the panc even though I haven't

had those crippling abdominal pains which dogged me pre-Creon. On

the other hand, yes, I also have pains in my thumb/wrist joints

(don't know correct name for this bit of the hand!) and in my knees.

So it could be arthritis. These symptoms have got a lot worse over

the last few weeks with swelling in my left foot to accompany the

toe pains. The orthotics make a big difference but can't be worn in

any of the sandals I have. I'll have to buy some with a heel round

the back rather than sling-backs in order to keep the orthotic in

the shoe. Some of my sandals are confortable without the orthotics

anyway.

Yes, Margaret, the GP does say in his letter that this is non-

specific test. Since I went to him to discuss the foot prob, he's

probably linking the ESR level with that. Whatever else, I'm certain

there's inflammation in my toes and joints where they join the foot.

Sorry about lack of technical lingo!

Chrissy, swimming daily and soaking up the warmth of the sun, even

if shaded from dangerous rays, would be exactly what I need. It

really helps the aches and pains. Sadly, much as I love England, it

can hardly be said to be therapeutic for any rheumaticky problems!!

Jim has already put our Spain pics on the computer and I'll send you

some. He's away in London this evening so it will have to wait till

tomorrow.....you know my limited puter abilitiy!!

When I win the lottery I will purchase a large villa in the south of

France and invite you all over! It will be in Provence exactly where

we usually spend the summer in a small house now!!! We're not going

this year because I thought I could still be recovering from surgery

so we didn't book. The op was shelved but we lost our lovely petite

maison and lavender fields for 2004.....it has to be booked two or

three years ahead.....but we're booked in for 2005. God willing,

we'll be going back there then. This year we're going to Cornwall.

Glorious sea, sand and countryside but....... sun can't be counted

on! The hotel has a heated indoor pool so I'll be swimmimg whatever

the weather!! I'm definitely NOT, NOT complaining as we've visited

Italy and Spain already this year. I'm a lucky lady.

Thanks again to everyone for your info, advice and support. It

really means a lot.

With very good wishes to all,

Fliss (UK)