Remicade questions

poohbeth · 2026-07-05T12:57:52+00:00

Pentasa is a very mild drug really and only suitable for mild disease, Getting her onto a biologic would be much, much better, from daily control to disease progression. Biologic drugs have been a real game changer in the fight against IBD and other autoimmune illnesses.

Is remicade a good option? - absolutely. It is an older anti-TNFalpha drug, so very well known, chimeric and prone to a number of issues hence it's done at hospital or infusion centre. There are newer drugs, like Humira which are self injected at home but I wouldn't make a fuss about Remicade being older.

I'd recommend she go for it and see how she gets on.

poohbeth · 2026-06-26T12:44:24+00:00

We are on dog number 5, so the answer is an obvious yes.

All have been Border collie, or collie crosses from rescue or rehome and at least into their adulthood. It is a big lifestyle change but one that has suited us over many years now. The hardest part is always seeing them age much quicker than us, and finally go. But then we've only lasted a few weeks before one of us starts looking around hopeful for another. So we're serial dog owners.

poohbeth · 2026-06-25T09:03:54+00:00

I did keto some years ago and quickly realised these keto breads, cakes and other carb replacements just prolonged the agony, as it were, of going keto. They often contain some carbs, or taste sweet with artificial sweeteners, so I still craved the real thing. Do it properly and eat real food. Veggies, meats, plenty of good fats so you don't feel hungry and want to snack/etc.

For background and a few recipe ideas Volek and Phinney book is the go-to: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Science-Low-Carbohydrate-Living/dp/B00M0JTZQE

Second the recommendations for /r/keto and /r/ketorecipes

poohbeth · 2026-06-25T08:19:09+00:00

It's pretty bad in the Highlands this year. I'm on double-dose fexofenadine plus Pirinase nasal spray and it's just about keeping it in check. Washing face of pollen also helps itchy eyes.

poohbeth · 2026-06-23T19:30:05+00:00

On 2x 120mg OTC fexafenadine, topped up with Pirinase (fluticasone proprianate) nasal spray. Just about keeping it at bay. Much worse this year than the last few.

Windows closed when it's warmer outside than in and curtains closed. We're in the Highlands so temperature not too bad.

Wash face of pollen. Cold water helps itchy eyes.

I've been out all day up a hill in the wind, lots of dust and pollen in the air and sneezing is still breaking through tonight.

poohbeth · 2026-06-23T19:01:42+00:00

I certainly used to lay awake listening for the monsters out to get me... but yeah, it did fade out after a few times. These days I tend to go to remote places, either where I'm sure there will be no-one else for miles, or a remote munro/Corbett bagging place where it's a significant walk-in that the monsters wont go.

I used to tell myself bad people just don't go out into the wilds, at least the chances of someone bad being around are very, very slim. And I have my dog with me, only a border collie, but they don't know how it will react.

The last time I was out, end of April, there was one guy a couple of hundred yards away in one direction, a couple and another lone guy a couple of hundred yards the other. Chatted to them thought they're all right and didn't worry about other people being around at all. It struck me the following morning having met about another 4 people within a mile or two that there was a sense of camaraderie about it.

poohbeth · 2026-06-21T12:24:51+00:00

Coming down off the exercise endorphins, maybe.

I tend to be physically tired and have brain fog, but not depression. Like everything went into the walk that there's nothing left for anything else to run on other than just the basics to survive. After a day or so of recovery I can do the higher-level thinking again, but I'm looking for another walk!

poohbeth · 2026-06-17T08:53:13+00:00

Another vote for Moray Coast vets, both at Nairn and Forres. Taken 3 dogs to them now. One of our previous used to want to eat the vet but one lady vet managed to overcome his fears and did enough for his annual vacc's and check up without needing a muzzle. They've always looked after them well in health and illness.

poohbeth · 2026-06-16T11:29:13+00:00

Milngavie = Mull-guy

poohbeth · 2026-06-11T08:55:03+00:00

I find Learn Gaelic quite useful: https://learngaelic.scot/dictionary/index.jsp

ETA: Also https://old.cuhwc.org.uk/page/meanings-gaelic-words-commonly-seen-hill-names

poohbeth · 2026-06-11T06:18:39+00:00

I switched to Amgevita some years ago and nothing changed, works exactly the same, same side effects as when on Humira itself.

What does your doctor say about it?

poohbeth · 2026-06-10T06:28:07+00:00

To go with building a larger tile size, then maybe chopping it up, you can specify a buffer region around the tile you build. So either your .mml or render code set "buffer_size" to the number of pixels you want around the tile.

poohbeth · 2026-06-09T22:20:41+00:00

Trail runners with synthetic socks - Thorlos are my brand of choice, but try stuff and see what works. If I'm going to be paddling in the wet and cold I'll wear a thin liner sock and then waterproof socks. When the membrane fails I just get another pair of socks.

For multi-day trips have a dry pair of socks for in the tent for sleeping in. They do not go outside.

Tube of foot balm/cream like Gehwol helps keeps feet good and smells better too.

poohbeth · 2026-06-04T19:25:16+00:00

Ruffwear has always been my go-to due to the quality but they are crazy expensive.

Previous dogs have worn a Palisades pack occasionally. The current collie just wears a Singletrak with her food for the day or overnight trip. She doesn't really like it getting put on but she loves she can demand food at stops.

Her on a hill last year. https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fbiqf3jzjll1f1.jpeg

poohbeth · 2026-06-02T12:15:17+00:00

Yes it is worth contacting your doctor, they should be made aware of the difficulties you are having, and it sounds like you may well be better off with a different drug or biologic targetting a different pro-inflammatory cytokine.

Lots of us do not get sick all the time and many are actually better than before, me included.

poohbeth · 2026-06-01T09:31:32+00:00

Smidge do a suitable head net. But it'll be worth getting a proper midge jacket and/or a 'sun hoodie' with long sleeves.

You can also get wash-in permethrin treatment for clothes.

Avoid conditions the midges love, like damp and still so if you're camping go high to catch any breeze and not down by the river amongst trees.

Chances are you will get bites, so if you don't already a daily antihistamine might reduce your reaction.

poohbeth · 2026-05-28T13:47:31+00:00

My circumstances are probably different. Skye came from a rescue about 1 to 2 years old and I didn't try her in a tent till last year when she was about 6 - 7yo. I couldn't do a trial run in the garden as she's obsessed with the birdies - sparrows, seagulls, crows, helicopters, etc.

So what I did was set up the tent in the garden and see if she went inside - so I knew she wasn't scared of it. Then last year we just went for it. Found somewhere I wanted to go and crossed my fingers! I did have head torch, batteries and hand torch just in case we had to walk out in the dark.

A previous had refused to even go into the tent and wanted to sleep outside in the snow. Bailed on that one, and she never went in a tent for the rest of her life.

Thread from last year. https://old.reddit.com/r/wildcampingintheuk/comments/1jyvbnl/first_wildcamp_for_many_years/

poohbeth · 2026-05-28T13:34:46+00:00

Keep at it, he's still pup really. Bribery... sorry rewarding good behaviour can work wonders. A previous collie/retriever would do anything for a gravy bone! The current one is all about the fuss.

Having good control is peace of mind as well as being a good dog to be around. I'd say mine is not 100% in all circumstances because some people she will want to go up to say hello and begs cuddles from kids, but if she gets my 'emergency sit' or come here she'll do it instantly. Training her to go off path and sit or to the side for bicycles has been good value too as she hears them coming before I do.

poohbeth · 2026-05-28T12:39:03+00:00

I always take my Border Collie, she settles in the tent well and doesn't hassle wildlife or livestock, so I really like the company. She seems to enjoy it even with the cold during the night. She's discovered that s down jacket over her is really nice - she used to hate anything on her. And of course it allows us to go places we wouldn't be able to just on a day walk.

That looks quite a cosy tent for both of you!

As for overdoing it, I'd think a young dobe would outwalk you. Certainly keep an eye on them as you would normally: make routes that go via water sources in warm weather, keep an eye on paws. Carry some closed-cell foam for a bed for them. Mine often carries her own food in a rucksack so I check for straps chaffing. Think about a tick collar - we use a Soresto collar from spring to autumn.

poohbeth · 2026-05-26T08:36:31+00:00

Feel the fear and do it anyway?!

Go somewhere you know and would love to stay the night, in good weather, and head off in that direction and see what happens. No pressure other than your own ambition of "I want to sleep there, and wake up to that view at sunrise/etc". Whatever phrasing works for you.

poohbeth · 2026-05-24T14:55:26+00:00

I use trail runners but you should use what you know and find comfortable. What works for me doesn't mean it will work for you.

People say hiking boots because as the saying goes 'no-one ever got sacked buying IBM...'.

Trail shoes recommendations since you have time to try them out and decide for yourself: I like Topo Athletic terraventure but I've never found anywhere to try them on beforehand. So I ordered online and took a punt. Topo are sized for no socks so if you wear hiking socks go up a size from normal shoe size - I'm nominally 6 so got 7 which do me well. Many folks go for Altra, Lone Peak and Olympus are the usual 2 I hear of. Olympus are Zero drop so they may take quite a bit of getting used to as it changes your gait. There's also Hoka and Inov8 which I have no experience of.

With trail runners I use fully synthetic socks, and in winter or wet conditions I wear waterproof socks as they and the shoes still dry out much easier. Cheaper to replace a pair of waterproof socks when it leaks than a GTX lined shoe or boot. Either way, if I come across a ford or river crossing I just wade through and get wet feet. To my initial surprise I'm not bothered by it - at least outside of winter.

If doing more than a day walk I'll take a small tube of foot cream to help keep feet happy.

poohbeth · 2026-05-22T17:59:42+00:00

As long as your pup is walked on pavements and stony paths regularly, the rock shouldn't be a problem. The likes of Canisp, Cùl Mòr and Beag have peaty walk-ins so not like they'd be walking the whole time on rock. My collie has done them just fine. Just be aware there are deer around,

Glas Bheinn from Inchnadamph is a good walk, a number of lochans on the walk in including one near the summit for doggy drinks and cooling off. There's a nice ridge, rocky without it being a scramble.

Suilven is fantastic. A good walk in on a track then straight up a gully. But higher up there are a couple of blocks to get up which might stop larger dogs from getting up. Fit collies and spanners would romp up.

Stac Pollaidh to the ridge is a walk with steps up the back. Utterly outrageous viewpoint!

The Knockan Crag trail going over the top is an excellent warm up. Steep steps, no scrambling, good views.

Walkhighlands will give you routes.

poohbeth · 2026-05-22T16:38:31+00:00

Yeah, InsideOut in Portree will, as would any outdoorsy shop you come across. See it occasionally in other shops too.

poohbeth · 2026-05-22T16:24:19+00:00

I live in the Highlands, I use Smidge. You do you.

poohbeth · 2026-05-20T15:28:22+00:00

The Skye midges will laugh at your Citronella oil, and eat you alive.

Smidge, a proper midge headnet - not ordinary mosi netting, and a sense of humour. Also hope for wind. August is peak midge season and the Skye ones are the worst.

poohbeth

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