12th October 2009
New drug treatment proves life changing for Chelmsford man
After more than eight years of severe back pain 37 year old Rob Petre from Chelmsford is able to lead a normal life again thanks to a new drug treatment.
Mr Petre was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis about a year ago after being referred to Dr Dev Mukerjee, consultant rheumatologist. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a very painful and debilitating arthritis of the spine. Untreated it can lead to permanent fusing of the spinal column.
Mr Petre said:” I can’t put into words how grateful I am to Dr Mukerjee and his team. The new treatment that I have received changed my life. . My condition remained undiagnosed for about nine years and I had nearly given up hope of ever getting better when I was referred to Dr Mukerjee at Broomfield Hospital. I had already had to give up my job as a pipe fitter as it was very physical and I couldn’t do it any longer because of the terrible pain that I was in, my condition was ruining my life.”
After further investigations, including a MRI scan and blood test, Mr Petre was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. After trying anti inflammatory treatments and steroids he was started on an anti TNF alpha therapy.
Dr Dev Mukerjee, consultant rheumatologist at Broomfield Hospital, said:” Within a couple of weeks of Mr Petre starting on the new treatment we saw a dramatic change in his condition, it was amazing. He became a different person as he was pain free and able to lead a normal life again fro the first time in years. Previously he would wake at night because he was in severe pain and would suffer early morning stiffness lasting of up to an hour – he had no quality of life. As Ankylosing Spondylitis is a progressive disease I knew that without effective treatment Mr Petre's condition would deteriorate which could lead to him being unable to work and maybe having to use a wheelchair.”
Since receiving the new treatment Mr Petrie’s life has changed for the better and he sums it up as being 99.9% better than before: “Before I stared on the new drugs I couldn’t physically bend, and now I cycle up to 40 miles per week and play badminton. I am also able to play games with my children – it’s great!”
The new treatment doesn’t cure the condition but helps the patient to lead a normal life. As the drug is very expensive, each year the patient is reassessed to ensure they still fulfil all of the necessary criteria.
Dr Mukerjee adds:” As anti TNF drugs are very expensive we have to see any patient who we prescribe them to on a regular basis to check there are no side affects. We also have to assess them annually to make sure they still fulfil the criteria to receive the drug. I am very pleased with the results for Mr Petre and his family.
Note to editors:
Monday 12th October is World Arthritis day. This year’s ‘Let’s Work Together’ theme considers the challenges of work, be it paid employment, voluntary work or work at home supporting a family, and embraces people with rheumatic diseases, healthcare professionals and employers.
ENDS
Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948
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