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...
This wonderfil site has some every knowledge individuals.i have a question for you.....maybe more than one question. I was diagnosed and placed on plaquenil in mid November. Things have been gradually improving. Last week I felt good evough to fix supper on five nights. Something I had not been able to do for over 5 months. I felt stable enough to walk in the house without using my cane. Talked to my husband about summer vacations. Things were looking up.
Then on Monday I noticed I was more stiff. On Tuesday and today (Wednesday). I am so stiff I can barely move with the help of my cane. By the way my RA decided to leave my hands and feet alone and instead it is located in my hips. My pain level is low but the stiffness makes every movement difficult. I feel tired and actually I go to bed early and have been sleeping 9 to 10 hours a night. This is unsual for me. Question: Will this pass? Is it normal to have bad episodes? Will this go away or do I need to contact my Dr.?
Then on Monday I noticed I was more stiff. On Tuesday and today (Wednesday). I am so stiff I can barely move with the help of my cane. By the way my RA decided to leave my hands and feet alone and instead it is located in my hips. My pain level is low but the stiffness makes every movement difficult. I feel tired and actually I go to bed early and have been sleeping 9 to 10 hours a night. This is unsual for me. Question: Will this pass? Is it normal to have bad episodes? Will this go away or do I need to contact my Dr.?
I hate to do the "Could be, might be, sounds like" type reply but sometimes that's the best we can do. But it does seem like your body is just adjusting to the medication & maybe you could be experiencing a sudden flare up. it does happen. Fatigue is definitely part of RA & a lot of times once your body becomes accustomed to the meds it subsides. I would definitely keep a log of how you feel, what you feel day by day & let your doc know.
How soon is your next appointment? If it's fairly soon you might just wait. If it's weeks or months off, a call or email (if that's available) could be in order.
RASally is right in that some meds take months before you see any results. In the meantime we suffer with the pain, stiffness and fatigue (depression too)
Hope this helps but definitely let your doctor know what is going on.