Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Hi All! I've been reading this board since my diagnosis in November, so thought I'd join in and introduce myself.
I had been having symptoms through most of 2013, but it took me till the fall to start putting things together and realizing that something other than getting old was happening. I saw my GP in October. She examined me and ordered blood tests but told me that in all likelihood, I was just getting older. But I knew it was more than that. My RF test came back elevated so she referred me to a rheumatologist. Took six weeks to get an appointment with her.
At that appointment, the Monday before Thanksgiving, she examined me and listened to me describe my symptoms. With that and my bloodwork, she diagnosed me with RA. She also said it was early and mild, which I agreed with. My pain is mostly in my hands and feet with lesser pain in my wrists, elbows, and ankles. And the fatigue has been pretty brutal. And so, she started me on 400 mg of Plaquenil once a day and 5 mg of Prednisone since the Plaquenil can take a few months to be effective. I'm also taking 200 mg of Celebrex a day.
I had a second appointment six weeks later on January 6th. At that point I was still feeling about the same with no improvement in pain or fatigue. Since it had been only six weeks, we decided to stay with what we're doing for another two months and see what happens. Made another appointment for March 6th. She said if I'm not showing any improvement by then we'd talk about other options.
Well, about a week after the January appointment I started to feel better--both pain wise and fatigue. I was feeling encouraged that Plaquenil would be the drug for me, especially since the only side effects I've had have been a couple of days of feeling light-headed or dizzy here and there. Not bad. That low dose of Prednisone isn't doing much for my pain and I think is causing me to have hot flashes, so I want to get off of that.
Anyway, I felt pretty good for about 3 or 4 weeks, and then about a week ago I started having a flare I think. My pain level is higher now than before I started the Plaquenil and I'm back to battling the fatigue. Disappointing!
My question is, does this mean the Plaquenil is not going to be effective for me since I seem to be flaring after feeling better for a couple of weeks? Or is it still too early to tell? My pain today is the worst that it's been since all of this started. I'm feeling discouraged that I may need to move on to a stronger drug.
Any input from those with some experience in dealing with RA would be so appreciated. (Sorry this turned into a book, but wanted to give you my background.)
Thanks so much, Niki
I had been having symptoms through most of 2013, but it took me till the fall to start putting things together and realizing that something other than getting old was happening. I saw my GP in October. She examined me and ordered blood tests but told me that in all likelihood, I was just getting older. But I knew it was more than that. My RF test came back elevated so she referred me to a rheumatologist. Took six weeks to get an appointment with her.
At that appointment, the Monday before Thanksgiving, she examined me and listened to me describe my symptoms. With that and my bloodwork, she diagnosed me with RA. She also said it was early and mild, which I agreed with. My pain is mostly in my hands and feet with lesser pain in my wrists, elbows, and ankles. And the fatigue has been pretty brutal. And so, she started me on 400 mg of Plaquenil once a day and 5 mg of Prednisone since the Plaquenil can take a few months to be effective. I'm also taking 200 mg of Celebrex a day.
I had a second appointment six weeks later on January 6th. At that point I was still feeling about the same with no improvement in pain or fatigue. Since it had been only six weeks, we decided to stay with what we're doing for another two months and see what happens. Made another appointment for March 6th. She said if I'm not showing any improvement by then we'd talk about other options.
Well, about a week after the January appointment I started to feel better--both pain wise and fatigue. I was feeling encouraged that Plaquenil would be the drug for me, especially since the only side effects I've had have been a couple of days of feeling light-headed or dizzy here and there. Not bad. That low dose of Prednisone isn't doing much for my pain and I think is causing me to have hot flashes, so I want to get off of that.
Anyway, I felt pretty good for about 3 or 4 weeks, and then about a week ago I started having a flare I think. My pain level is higher now than before I started the Plaquenil and I'm back to battling the fatigue. Disappointing!
My question is, does this mean the Plaquenil is not going to be effective for me since I seem to be flaring after feeling better for a couple of weeks? Or is it still too early to tell? My pain today is the worst that it's been since all of this started. I'm feeling discouraged that I may need to move on to a stronger drug.
Any input from those with some experience in dealing with RA would be so appreciated. (Sorry this turned into a book, but wanted to give you my background.)
Thanks so much, Niki
Sorry you had to find us but glad you did. Lots of great folks here and some taking the same meds will be along shortly to help out and make you feel better
Again, Glad you're here
Peace
Bluedogs2
Right now its important to educate yourself. Not only on all the treatment options - but also on your own body and what it's trying to tell you. Each of us is different and what works for one may not work for another. But here are some fairly common things:
1. Flare foods - many of us have identified them in ourselves. To do this keep a food diary and a symptom diary. Look for patterns. Flares will start from 1 hour to next morning after eating a trigger food.
2. Research every drug used in RA treatment. Read every single side effect. Decide how far you're willing to go/risk to feel better.
3. If you lean more towards natural control read up on vegan and paleo diets. Go get food allergy tested. Let those test results guide your eating to reduce overall systemic inflammation.
Whether you end up going drug cocktail or diet cocktail - go in informed :)
You have been on the plaquenil what, 2 1/2 months? that's probably not long enough to get the full effect. It's good you have had some relief from it, but it may not be enought just by itself.
It is very frustrating when you have to wait and see how the meds are going to effect you.
I hope the Plaquenil will work for you soon. The good people here will always be ready to help when needed.
Best Wishes
Hang in there-it takes a while to figure out the meds and that's if insurance cooperates. This is a great site for information and support.
Welcome!
Stick with it and work with your Dr and hopefully you will find the med / combo that works best for you.
I think I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I have RA and I kind of want it to be something that if I'm taking drugs I don't want to have to think about it anymore. Like my Hashimoto's--I take Synthroid every day and I'm done with it. I just find it hard to wrap my mind around this disease potentially affecting my daily living. Still getting used to the idea.