Plaquenil Update

Well it's not very good news here. I had a massive skin reaction to the sun whilst I was away and had to see a doctor locally. She told me it was definitely caused by the Plaq and to stop taking it immediately. Today my long-suffering GP has confirmed this and now I have to wait until the consultant can suggest something else which is likely to be Methotrexate, yuck.

Interesting experience of Greek healthcare though. I went to the local health centre which covered about 20 small towns and villages and asked to see an English speaking doctor as I felt sure it was a problem with my meds. The lady on the door said, "Ok that is me, come right in." No wait, no queuing and no being fobbed off. I spent an hour being examined by no less than 2 doctors who then checked all my meds against their version of the British Pharmacopeia for interactions and side effects. Eventually the Plaquenil was pronounced the culprit and it was explained to me not to take any more on any account as the next reaction could be fatal!

We then retired to another office whilst a prescription was written and my details taken. In typical Greek fashion the prescription was stamped no less than 3 times with different official stamps. I was then told where the pharmacy was to get the new meds and invited to return at any time over the next 72 hours if I had any problems whatsoever. All this was in a sparklingly clean building where the cleaner was hard at work polishing the stairs, the decoration was perfect and the walls decorated with large explanatory notices and diagrams about common conditions both in English and in Greek. This was a very rural part of Greece, about 60 miles from the nearest large town, and the healthcare was exemplary. The prescription charge for 3 items was less than the normal charge for 2 here as well.

Eat your heart out NHS.