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 about 8 or 9 days since I started the Plaquenil, and I know I have a ways to go before I might see any improvement.
I thought I was sailing through without side-effects and it feels like I hit a wall in the past few days. In fact, my hand stiffness and foot pain feel worse, not better. (I did pretty well last week and it didn't seem that the med. was bothering me at all)
Does Plaquenil have delayed side-effects like this? I have noticed off and on diarrhea for a few days - tummy just doesn't feel quite right. I am also feeling a bit headachey/lightheaded. It is also hard at times not knowing whether this *is* RA for sure, given that some of the more specific blood tests were in the normal range, with the exception of ESR and CRP tests being elevated.
It was also weird waking up in the middle of the night a couple of days ago with the knuckle joints of my right hand (index and middle finger) feeling *stuck* together. It was a very different feeling than the usual stiffness and ache that I have been feeling. Is it something I should mention to my rheumatologist? The pain in my left foot (outer metatarsal bones) is also really nasty. It feels like a burning poker through my foot when I begin walking after sitting down for awhile. Not fun...I would almost think I had sprained it or turned it somehow, but I know I haven't.
I am just not sure what information is worth bringing to the attention of my doctor, and which is 'normal', given the nature of this disease.
I am just hoping against hope that I will get some relief from the discomfort, and that *some* of the flexibility will return to my hand. The way it feels right now, I just want to unscrew it and hand it to someone else to keep for awhile. :-)
OK...whine off for now. Thanks for letting me vent.
Peace,
Jennifer
It's been about 8 or 9 days since I started the Plaquenil, and I know I have a ways to go before I might see any improvement.
I thought I was sailing through without side-effects and it feels like I hit a wall in the past few days. In fact, my hand stiffness and foot pain feel worse, not better. (I did pretty well last week and it didn't seem that the med. was bothering me at all)
Does Plaquenil have delayed side-effects like this? I have noticed off and on diarrhea for a few days - tummy just doesn't feel quite right. I am also feeling a bit headachey/lightheaded. It is also hard at times not knowing whether this *is* RA for sure, given that some of the more specific blood tests were in the normal range, with the exception of ESR and CRP tests being elevated.
It was also weird waking up in the middle of the night a couple of days ago with the knuckle joints of my right hand (index and middle finger) feeling *stuck* together. It was a very different feeling than the usual stiffness and ache that I have been feeling. Is it something I should mention to my rheumatologist? The pain in my left foot (outer metatarsal bones) is also really nasty. It feels like a burning poker through my foot when I begin walking after sitting down for awhile. Not fun...I would almost think I had sprained it or turned it somehow, but I know I haven't.
I am just not sure what information is worth bringing to the attention of my doctor, and which is 'normal', given the nature of this disease.
I am just hoping against hope that I will get some relief from the discomfort, and that *some* of the flexibility will return to my hand. The way it feels right now, I just want to unscrew it and hand it to someone else to keep for awhile. :-)
OK...whine off for now. Thanks for letting me vent.
Peace,
Jennifer
deleted_user
I like the idea of being able to unscrew the part of our bodies that hurts! Don't you wish it were just that easy? If you aren't getting any relief or a experiencing what you think may be side effects don't hesitate to call your doctor. They listen to complaints and whines all day long and know what to suggest! I sure hope you feel better soon my friend. Take care.
deleted_user
You kow I just am new to all this and I have to say if you can figure out how to unscrew our hands and get new ones..............COUNT ME IN!!!! man those little buggers give me pain. I feel for you !
deleted_user
I always wish they could just give me a body transplant from the neck on down!!
deleted_user
Definitely call your Doc - I take plaquenil along w/Methotrexate. At the beginning the MET would make me feel slightly light-headed for a day, but as long as I take the plaquenil right after a meal, I tolerate it very well. As for the pain - I would ask him why he only has you on plaquenil? My doc told me that more often it is used in conjunction w/MET, and that it enhances the effectiveness of the drug.
deleted_user
I've been taking Plaquenil for 5 weeks and I am nauseated all of the time with boughts of horrible stomach aches. Initally I was hoping that this would get better, but no luck yet. I hope you find a better solution soon!
lycesq
I took Plaquenil and Mobic - worked for awhile, then it didnt'. I have a terrific rhematologist and reported in to her. She switched my drugs - again. It took about a year to get the right mix. I went on Remicade.
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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...
