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,
It's been awhile since I have posted. I have been on the Plaquenil for just over four weeks now, and I am not sure if I notice much of a change (I know it can take weeks). My right hand just feels really stiff most of the time - very tight feeling - but some of the *crunchiness* in the morning seems to have eased a bit. If anything, my hands actually look *more* swollen, not less, and this is being on a diuretic as well. My test is to take my wedding ring, which I now wear around my neck, to see how it fits on either ring finger. It's definitely a no-go on either hand.
My left foot, which has also been problematic, still feels pretty darn tender most of the time on the arch and outer metatarsal joints/bones. I am turning into a creaky old dame at the age of 49! ;-)
I have a couple of quick questions -
1) Does arthritis also show up in the upper back - i.e., across the shoulders, shoulder blades and cervical/neck area? I have noticed constant stiffness in that area for weeks, which also gives me problems in driving, especially when trying to see behind me for reversing or turning. It's very, very uncomfortable.
2) Can being on medications like plaquenil suppress the immune system? I have had a cold for almost two weeks. It turned into chest congestion and coughing this week. Usually, I can throw colds off in 2 or 3 days, but this one has stuck around for days and has simply knocked the stuffing out of me. It's not like me to be out sick for three days straight for a darn cold! Does anyone have suggestions or remedies that have worked for them to stay healthy while on strong medications?
Thanks for any and all feedback as always. I constantly check-in and read all of the new posts to learn and stay connected. It helps!
Peace,
Jennifer
It's been awhile since I have posted. I have been on the Plaquenil for just over four weeks now, and I am not sure if I notice much of a change (I know it can take weeks). My right hand just feels really stiff most of the time - very tight feeling - but some of the *crunchiness* in the morning seems to have eased a bit. If anything, my hands actually look *more* swollen, not less, and this is being on a diuretic as well. My test is to take my wedding ring, which I now wear around my neck, to see how it fits on either ring finger. It's definitely a no-go on either hand.
My left foot, which has also been problematic, still feels pretty darn tender most of the time on the arch and outer metatarsal joints/bones. I am turning into a creaky old dame at the age of 49! ;-)
I have a couple of quick questions -
1) Does arthritis also show up in the upper back - i.e., across the shoulders, shoulder blades and cervical/neck area? I have noticed constant stiffness in that area for weeks, which also gives me problems in driving, especially when trying to see behind me for reversing or turning. It's very, very uncomfortable.
2) Can being on medications like plaquenil suppress the immune system? I have had a cold for almost two weeks. It turned into chest congestion and coughing this week. Usually, I can throw colds off in 2 or 3 days, but this one has stuck around for days and has simply knocked the stuffing out of me. It's not like me to be out sick for three days straight for a darn cold! Does anyone have suggestions or remedies that have worked for them to stay healthy while on strong medications?
Thanks for any and all feedback as always. I constantly check-in and read all of the new posts to learn and stay connected. It helps!
Peace,
Jennifer
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
I also have pain in my shoulder blades, upper back, and neck. Try gentle stretching every day, the moving seems to help. I use little heat patches called "Salonpas" and they work great to relax the pain.
Tell your rheumy about it right away. As far as colds and such as Bizemomm says medicines that work against RA suppress the immune system. So I take a B complex and additional vitamin C to help me fight off any viruses that might be swirling around. Hope this helps, feel better! hugs jilly