ROUND 2 THE BIG FIGHT

Thurs Sept 12th 2013
The Cytokine Kid looks relaxed on the stool in the blue corner as the medics check him over for infections and take bloods. As they connect the intravenous drip he seems to be enjoying banter with the research nurse referee and Dr M. the Rheumatology consultant.
They seem to be talking about the role of mice and how fortunate they are to get to try out all the latest super drugs before anyone else.
Inflammatory Jack sits glowering in the red corner. He's heard the news of the ESR and CRP points tally of his opponent being less than 1. He looks like a man who's confidence has taken a knock. The seconds tend to his bruised ego and physical improvements - the reduced joint stiffness and swelling,showing the more defined nodules, the lower fatigue level. The Kid should be getting weaker not stronger. He heard he was even finding it easier to get in and out of the bath. It was bad enough when he did the 2 mile walk along Budleigh Salterton beach and back, but at least he made him pay for that, even if it was only feet and ankles and a few achy leg muscles. But when The Kid played that Chopin it really did his head in. Round 1 is not the time or place for Mohammed Ali type shenanigans. Thankfully there were still a few aches and pains as consolation. For a while he had a distressing feeling of comfort in the absence of pain. The Kid might regret ditching those NSAIDS yet.
The Cytokine Kid or Toc H as some call him looks thoughtful as they top up his methotrexate tablets for the next round. He's probably wondering whether he'll be in the taper group come round 6. He won't know. Nor will the medics. The rules of the game are strict. Placebo or not placebo. That is the question.
The bell sounds for Round 2. The Tocilizumab drip is disconnected and The Cytokine Kid charges straight to the centre of the ring on the offensive. How will Inflammatory Jack deal with this new found aggression. He is not one to back pedal.

To be continued.....