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...

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Muscles & Bones
/ Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Glad I found you

flygirlmama
flygirlmama

I was recently diagnosed with RA.  RF 640, CCP 250 with normal ESR and CRP.  I have had some random joint pain but nothing I can't handle with NSAIDs.  My major complaint is fatigue.  I just started Plaquinil.  I'm happy I found this forum as I seems most of my friends and family don't seem to get it.  I guess because outwardly I seem healthy nobody seems to take my concerns seriously so I basically keep them to myself.  I really don't know what I'm facing and have nobody to share that with.  Just writing this down feels good.  

bannc2000
bannc2000
Hi flygirlmama - I'm a newbie myself. I will be starting Plaquenil this weekend and I'm scared to death. I hate taking medication and I'm afraid of possible side effects. But, I gotta do what is best for me and the future. Fatigue is a huge factor for me, and my hands/wrists. This forum is great for voicing your thoughts, questions, and getting feedback. Welcome and good luck to you!
californialynn
californialynn
Oh yes.........I look absolutely fine to everyone. And I don't complain on bad days. So the general assumption is that I'm perfectly normal. If they only knew. [But even if they did, they still wouldn't understand. Sometimes I think I need to tell people to put 10 pound weights on each major joint and try to walk.]

About side effects: best to study the number of people who actually get side effects. Very, very, very small percentage. Plus, if someone complains of toe pain while on the drug, that's generally listed on the list of side effects, too.]

Better to focus on the effects of NOT taking DMARDS.
flygirlmama
flygirlmama
I've been on Plaquinil for 2 weeks now. I did have a little dizziness the first day I went to the full dosage and had some nausea one day but have felt fine for the most part. Staying positive and off to do yoga! Gotta move!