Why are arthritis sufferers like me being left in agony?
I’VE been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 13 years, since I was 23. After waking in agony at 3.30am last week, I’d had enough.
First, because of government cutbacks, my disability living allowance/personal independence payment was removed in February, as it was decided I no longer fulfilled the official criteria as having a debilitating condition.
I wasn’t classed as having a disease that affected me that much, even though it is a lifelong condition without a cure.
Then, nine weeks ago, I was suddenly told the drug treatment I have taken for the past six years was being withdrawn because of a loss of government funding.
Injecting Enbrel once a week has kept me mobile, so I could enjoy life with my partner and two young children and stay in work as a driver. It stops my body from attacking itself so my joints don’t become swollen, stiff, difficult to move and very painful.
I don’t understand how a drug that has been working so well for so many can lose government funding without a replacement.
My consultant mentions a new drug called Benepali, but cannot say if, or when, I will get it.
Recently, the pain has become unbearable. Ibuprofen and cocodamol hardly touch the sides. A cortisone injection was supposed to give me relief for three months; the effects lasted barely two weeks.
I am struggling to work and to cuddle my children, which breaks my heart. I need answers. I don’t usually moan about my condition, but enough is enough. KIERON TAPSELL,
Northfleet, Kent.
London’s out of step
IT’S untrue that England is divided on Brexit between northern Leavers and southern Remainers. After the referendum, the Electoral Commission divided England into eight regions excluding London, and every provincial region recorded a Leave majority.
Yes, the South-East wanted to get out of Europe. The South-West vote would have been even higher if Gibraltar’s 19,000 Remain figure hadn’t been included.
The only region that didn’t vote Leave was Greater London. That’s the real split, between London determined to keep the status quo gravy train and the rest of England desperate for change.
That’s why we’ve had a succession of stalling tactics in the courts and the Commons ever since.
PETER FLANAGAN, York.
Has-beens’ outing
I WAS pleased to see Kenneth Clarke, Nick Clegg and Lord Adonis arriving in Brussels, until I realised they didn’t have luggage.
Sadly, they returned to London to continue striving to overturn the will of the electorate.
The fact they were received by EU negotiator Michel Barnier is proof these has-beens are more concerned with their personal situation than the good of our nation. After we leave in 2019, will these three once again visit Brussels begging for a sinecure?
F. McMANUS, Leeds.
Honour Bomber boys
I TOTALLY agree with ex-pilot Wing Commander Jim Wright that there should be a campaign medal for those who served in RAF Bomber Command (Letters).
I am a next-generation bomber pilot who had the privilege of commanding an Avro Vulcan squadron. On my station we had three Vulcan Mk2 squadrons, each with a crew on alert with an aircraft fitted with a Blue Steel nuclear weapon. A five-man crew could be airborne in four minutes.
We did not have the fuel to return to the UK, so in war it would have been a one-way trip. We’ve never received a medal to recognise we were the nuclear deterrent force before Trident subs. Footballers get vast payments and numerous awards, but those who served in Bomber Command are still constantly criticised.
I had the privilege of escorting ‘Bomber’ Harris to the standdown of Bomber Command on April 29, 1968. Wg cdr P. J. GOODALL (retired),
Silverstone, Northants.
Summer Time blues
CONTRARY to supposition, the 1968-1971 all-year-round British Summer Time experiment wasn’t universally unpopular (Letters).
A social survey revealed those in favour of continuing with BST outnumbered those against by five to four.
Moreover, the Road Research Laboratory estimated it led to a reduction in road traffic injuries and fatalities.
Nevertheless, the Government voted to discontinue it. What price democracy and road safety?
P. F. LORENZO, chertsey, Surrey.
Martial misstep
ONWARD Christian Soldiers is the wrong choice for a Remembrance Sunday service (Mail).
From a theological perspective, it is inappropriate for the occasion. Remembrance Sunday is a time when we honour those who died in wars of all faiths and nations.
This hymn encourages Christians in the spiritual battle against Satan and evil, emboldening them for this purpose.
Rev BOB SHORT, Beeston, Notts.
Political placemen
FOR any business, the resignation of a key board member, manager or employee can cause a shortterm shock. It is essential they work a notice period to help with business continuity.
Contrast this with what happens when a government minister resigns: they walk away at the drop of a hat and everything just keeps rolling along.
PETER SMART, Nottingham.
Cash flow crisis
IT’S no surprise to me that thousands of ATMs around the country face closure (Mail). A cashless society would clearly give the Government huge opportuni- ties in controlling the population. Getting rid of cash machines, bank branches and post offices will force people to use plastic.
Once the use of cash is much reduced, it can be declared there is no longer public demand for it and so it could be abolished.
R. HAVENHAND, Nantwich, cheshire.
Luxury in Economy
THE article about the golden age of first-class rail travel (Mail) had me reminiscing. When I reached the dizzy heights in my company, I could go first-class.
My first trip was from Waterloo to Bournemouth for a speaking engagement. I boarded the train expectantly and was delighted to see antimacassars straight out of an episode of Poirot.
I sat down and started working on my notes. Another man entered the first-class carriage and took a seat in the opposite corner. Then another, and another. By the time we left Waterloo, the compartment was full and cramped.
Halfway to Bournemouth, I needed to visit the facilities and walked through an economy class carriage, which was empty.
I returned to first class, collected my briefcase and for the rest of the journey luxuriated in economy. ALAN JARRETT, Rochester, Kent.