Clinical Trial Update
Today was my first clinic visit after starting the trial for Firategrast. I was surprised by the early arrival of a taxi driver to take me to the clinic - not least because I hadn't asked for one.
   I've been taking four pills, twice a day, for nearly a month now. So far, no side effects worth reporting. No headaches, stomach upsets, anything. It makes me think I may have the placebo. Last Sat I developed slight pain and blurriness in the left eye which suggested optic neuritis. Still got slight blurriness, but much less discomfort today. No action to be taken unless it definitely gets worse.
   I dozed through the MRI, have plasters on one elbow and the backs of both hands, where the veins seem to be more accesible than around the elbows, and did seven laps around the elevator block with the neuro. They wanted a second set of blood around lunchtime, by which time I was hungry and a little shaky, it being five hours since breakfast. One of the nursing team obligingly procured a sandwich, a biscuit and some orange juice for me. I'm not being paid to take part in the trial, but they do look after me, and I get all the coffee I want. The staff at the clinic are really friendly and welcoming.
  It was getting on for 3 in the afternoon by the time we were done. I was feeling quite tired, even though I'd spent nearly all day sitting or lying, so I requested a taxi home. I live barely 10 mins walk from the hospital, so I felt a bit of a fraud, but I really was tired.

Well, so far so good. Need to take the next dose soon, just before 'Torchwood' starts. That'll keep me nicely occupied, and when it's finished, I'll only have to wait a few minutes before I can have coffee and toast and maybe biscuits too.