Sunday 16 April 2017

Annual Monitoring Tests, Check-Up, 'MOT' - Nicola Whitehill. Scleroderma, Raynaud’s, Autoimmune Rare Disease

Annual Monitoring Tests, Check Up, ‘MOT’ - Nicola Whitehill
Scleroderma, Raynaud's, Autoimmune Rare Disease. 



#RaynaudsFreeWorld #SclerodermaFreeWorld  

 


  




My diary is kept quite busy with medical appointments, which over the years, has steadied in frequency due to my symptoms being managed and controlled better. 

However, should I have a flare with my symptoms, then obviously more medical appointments will follow.

I am extremely grateful for my medical care team, headed up by the Scleroderma trail blazer, super human and world expert Prof Denton. 

Due to the complexity of scleroderma, the medical team required for optimum care is quite large with all of the differing medical care specialities involved. 

I went in to more detail about this on Day 30 Scleroderma Awareness month 2016. 




Day 3 focusses on the body parts which can be affected, as well as, some of the 'invisible symptoms'. 




Day 5  provided information about the diagnostic tests carried out to confirm a scleroderma diagnosis and identify the level if any, of internal organ involvement. 




I know that I am an extremely blessed and lucky diffuse scleroderma patient by way of me having minimal internal organ involvement. My skin, musculo-skeletal and gastro-intestinal system remain as my biggest challenges. 

I wrote more about my ‘tin-man’ symptoms, here

In 2004, I had an endoscopy to assess the damage caused by scleroderma, to my stomach and oesophagus, with the results not making for a pleasant image, as my stomach lining was bright red. 

I have also taken part in eating a barium radioactive meal to assess my stomach emptying, which showed a decrease in motility. I have not repeated these tests since. 

I mistakenly opted out of the sedation offered for the endoscopy, in the hope that I would be able to return to work the following day (I was able to work in my dream job, a barrister, back then). 

How optimistic and wrong I was! I had to take 4 days off work, which was of extreme inconvenience at the time, as my work diary had been booked for weeks’ in advance and taking days off from court at the last minute, caused all sorts of problems!

I wrote about how I control my gastro-intestinal issues, here and here
 
My scleroderma disease progress level is monitored by medical appointments at the Scleroderma Unit at The Royal Free Hospital in London, as well as, at my local hospital Southport and Ormskirk District General where I see the lovely Dr Sykes, Consultant Rheumatologist, and her awesome rheumatology team.

I wrote about the importance of expert scleroderma specialist centres, here


I wrote about the importance of an early diagnosis, here


In July 2016 I attended my local hospital for my annual lung and heart test.

My heart test included an ECG (Electrocardiogram) where the electricity or signalling of my heart was tested. Sticky pads were put on my chest and back, which were then wired up to a machine which investigates the electric signalling of the heart.

Obviously, all clothing from waist level up has to be removed for this procedure, which can bring about a Raynaud’s attack if the room is too cool or if there is a draught.

The removal of the sticky pads on my skin, is quite painful at the end of the procedure. I have a similar experience with plasters / elastobands, and will most often choose to not use them on my skin.

I wrote about my skin sensitivity Day 10   




After the ECG, an ECHO procedure is carried out. 

This requires lying on your back leaning slightly on the left side. Again, this procedure requires no clothing from the waist up, which may induce a Raynuad’s attack. 
Day 7   


Echo machine


The above image shows the equipment used to carry out this investigatory test for the heart. 

This is an ECHO machine which requires a trained technician to operate properly. Mark, was my technician last time, and to whom I am grateful for his patience, as the body position required to gain the best ECHO results, I find to be quite uncomfortable. 

A plastic microphone looking object is used to scan the left side of the chest. 

This is covered in petroleum jelly to allow the electric signal to be conveyed to the machine, which displays an image of your heart on the screen, and luckily my mine was beating satisfactorily with minimum fibrosis and scarring.

My next test was to investigate my lungs, which requires another specific apparatus designed for all aspects of the lungs including gaseous exchange and full lung capacity. 


Lung Function Testing Equipment


Rachael was my technician for the day, and to whom, like Mark, I am grateful for her patience, whilst I took my time through the tests. 

I have been having my annual MOT at my local hospital, here in Southport, for over a decade now. 

I am extremely grateful to Rachael, Mark and the rest of the team, for making these tests as easy, comfortable and patient focussed as possible.

This has helped make this annual scleroderma chore into a more social pleasant experience, as I enjoy seeing the staff and the chat! 

And, funnily enough, Rachel had seen me out and about on my electric scooter walking my brown dog Daisy, with my white dog, Mitzy sat on my knee, the week before!

I wrote about my mobility challenges a few months ago, Click here


The lung test takes about 20 minutes in total. At the end of which, I was delighted to see that my lung test results had improved slightly from last year. I did not ask for the exact result, as I was so overjoyed that an improvement was seen.

Over the years, I have learnt to not be dictated to by results, but by, how I am feeling, and, I want to feel good.

I certainly feel awesome knowing that my 2016 heart and lung tests have returned a satisfactory result - another year to get on and enjoy myself, with the tin man body being the focus to exterminate, for a return to wellbeing.

In my article ‘The Scleroderma Olympian’, I compare the time, effort, dedication and commitment to being the best athlete, with the desire to have a scleroderma-free body. The annual MOT tests are all part and parcel of this scleroderma Olympian’s preparation. Oh to be fit, healthy and strong again. 

Living the dream – scleroderma style. 




An edited version of this article was published here, in my Column with Scleroderma News.  
August 2016.  




  

Scleroderma Family Day 2020

25th Anniversary Meeting

The Atrium, Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2QG

Chair: Professor Chris Denton

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME


09.30 – 10.00           Registration and Coffee

10.00 – 10.20           Welcome                                                   Dame Carol Black
                                                                Prof Chris Denton & David Abraham

10.20 – 10.40           What is a Biopsy?                                    Dr Kristina Clark

10.40 – 11.05           Dental aspects of Scleroderma            Prof Stephen Porter

11.05 – 11.25           Gastrointestinal problems –                       Dr Fiza Ahmed
shedding new light on old problems 

11.25 – 11.50           Pulmonary hypertension and the heart Dr Gerry Coghlan

11.50 – 12.15           Scleroderma cohort studies –                  Dr Francesco 
                                 ‘Learning from our patients’                     del Galdo

12.15 – 14.15           LUNCH BREAK – see below  

14.15 – 14.45           25 years of progress –                          Prof Chris Denton
from ‘black box’ to ‘positive trials’

14.45 – 15.15           International speaker –                            Dr Madelon Vonk
                                 Scleroderma Management in Netherlands

15.30                        Raffle


Lunchtime Discussions Groups / Demonstrations include:

Clinical Trials                                                                  Rachel Ochiel and team
National Institute of Health Research                            Christine Menzies
Drug Information / monitoring                                        Pharmacy
Massage                                                                         Keith Hunt MBE
Pulmonary Hypertension Education / nursing            Sally Reddecliffe/Adele Dawson
Rheumatology Laboratory                                          Research Laboratory Staff
Scleroderma Education / Nursing                          Louise Parker/ Joseph Cainap
Thermography                                                                Dr Kevin Howell
SRUK                                                                             Ollie Scott
Sjogren’s syndrome                                                       British Sjogren’s Society 


To Read My Articles:  

Gift in My Will, Click here 

Planning for the Future, Click here  

 


Rare Disease Day:   

Rare Disease Day 2020:  

  

Listen to my interview with John Smeeton, (Silver Fox), from the Royal Free Radio, here  


 

Raise awareness and donate to medical research, order your #SclerodermaFreeWorld #RaynaudsFreeWorld tshirt  here   


 
Rare Disease Day 2020: NIHR 'Research gives hope to Rare Disease patients', Click here  

  


 
Rare Disease Day 2019: Leaving a Legacy Gift, Click here       



Rare Disease Day 2019: 11am 97.4RockFM headlines, NO CURE, Click here  

Rare Disease Day 2018 – Research, Taking Part in Clinical Trials. Scleroderma, Raynaud's, Autoimmune Rare Disease, Click here     

2017 Rare Disease Day Medical Research  


2016 Rare Disease Day Patient Voice   

2016 Rare Disease UK Parliamentary Reception       

  

Rare Disease Day is a fantastic opportunity for the entire rare disease community to shine a spotlight on their reality, combining as one unified voice. Where, at least one commonality presides –  
Medical Research
provides the brightest light,
for the illumination of 
the rare disease patients’ plight.


To read about medical research at the scleroderma unit, Click here   

Although rare disease patients are few in number, eg. 2.5 million scleroderma patients worldwide, (the World Scleroderma Foundation), the commonalities and golden hallmark for each rare disease patient are the same overall. 

For optimum patient care, 3 hallmarks preside:




supported by a medicaldream team’ 
(expert specialist as the clinical lead).

INVESTMENT in MEDICAL RESEARCH is CRUCIAL.   


To read my articles:  

Celebrating 20 years of being a patient at the Scleroderma Unit, Click here

2019 New Challenges, Click here
 
NIHR Video: 'My Experience of Clinical Trials', Click here 

If we only had more RESEARCH investment for Scleroderma, Raynaud's, Autoimmune Rare Disease, Click here   

The Importance of Medical Research and Awareness to the Scleroderma, Raynaud's, Autoimmune Rare Disease patient, Click here  

2018 Scleroderma Awareness Raising and Medical Research, Click here    


SCLERODERMA:

Importance of an early diagnosis, Click here   
    
Taking Part in Clinical Research Trials, Click here     

The Importance of a Multi Disciplinary Medical ‘Dream Team’, Click here    

Expert Specialist Centres, Click here      
  
My Skin is Cured from Scleroderma, Click here   
    
UK Guidelines for Managing and Treating Scleroderma, Click here        

Fatigue, Click here         

Mobility, Click here      

Diet and nutrition, Click here      


Raynaud's- How to Diagnose, Click here        

'All you need to know', 2016 Awareness Video, Click here    

Global Patient Profiles 2018 Video, Click here    


Unmet Medical Needs, Click here     




Calcinosis Video, Click here    


The scleroderma tooth fairy, Click here     


Skin Cancer and scleroderma, Click here   

 

Sept 2017

Prof Chris Denton and I, Sept 2017

June 2019



This year, 2020, I am celebrating 22 years of being a patient at the Scleroderma Unit, The Royal Free Hospital - a world leading expert specialist, research centre.  

Read more, here.    

I am eternally grateful to the global scleroderma trail blazers Dame Prof Black and Prof Chris Denton, whose commitment and dedication to unlocking the scleroderma enigma, is nothing other than, superhuman. Along with the Raynaud's world trail blazer, Dr Kevin Howell.  

I am truly humbled and inspired by their work ethic and commitment to their patients.  

I am wholly appreciative for Prof Denton’s continued medical expertise and support, especially during my barrister qualifying years, 1997 - 2004. 
 
1st March 2004, I qualified as a self employed practising barrister. Further to having been told in 1997, by my original diagnosing doctor, that I was looking at a 15month prognosis. 
 


  

Chat Magazine May 2019

I very much hope to utilise my professional skills and qualifications along with my patient experience, to help achieve the #SclerodermaFreeWorld dream, hoping to improve understanding and best practice, in the meantime. Read more, here     

  

World Scleroderma Day 2018, Click here  

World Scleroderma Day 2017, 29th June, Click here    

World Scleroderma Day 2016, 29th June. Origins of the date, Click here   

World Scleroderma Day 2015, 29th June.  


James Carver, myself, Prof Chris Denton
I had the pleasure of being a presenter and part of the European co-hort who gave a presentation at the European Parliament, Brussels, in honour of World Scleroderma Day 2015.  

I am immensely grateful to James Carver, former MEP, for organizing this event in memory of his late wife Carmen, who sadly passed from Scleroderma.  

To view the presentation, Click here 

Raynaud's

October:  
Raynaud's, Click here  
 
To view the UK treatment guidelines for Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Click here   

To view the EULAR treatment guidelines, Click here    
To view Thermograph Video, Click here    

To view Thermograph image, Click here    

   
My Raynaud’s reality, Click here     


The global Raynaud's trailblazer - Dr Howell and I, Sept 2017

To view Nailfold Capillaroscopy equipment (used to identify possible blood vessel damage), Click here   

Invisible Disability Awareness Video, Click here

To read My ‘Invisible Disability’ experience, Click here   

50 Shades of Blue, Click here



 

For latest updates follow / subscribe:  

@SclerodermaRF 

@RaynaudsRf 

Twitter, Instagram, Blogger, YouTube, Facebook Page:

#SclerodermaFreeWorld           #RaynaudsFreeWorld    #Research  



Please DONATE to help fund medical research at The Scleroderma Unit,The Royal Free Hospital, London.  


100% of your monies will be used for medical research purposes only. NO wages or admin costs. Thank You. 

  

  
Last Update: Feb 2020.       



Annual Monitoring Tests, Check Up, ‘MOT’ - Nicola Whitehill
Scleroderma, Raynaud's, Autoimmune Rare Disease. 



#RaynaudsFreeWorld #SclerodermaFreeWorld  









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