Hello- I am 49 years old and newly diagnosed with RA. I have seen a rheumatologist and she has prescribed Methotrexate and Plaquenil. I am so frightened to take these meds. Can someone help me? I was supposed to take them last week but have been too scared. My RF was positive , my anti CCP negative, ANA negative. I have 3 rheumatoid nodules on my fingers and have moderate pain. I am confused as to why my doc started me on 2 meds when my anti CCP was negative. I do also have Raynauds. Please help.
Thank you Milly... I guess I beyyer just stop denying the disease and move forward with the treatment after the first of the year. Thank you for your reply.
I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago and I was horrified to think about all the medication I was prescribed and didn't want to take it. However, once I 'broke down' and did, I realised how much better I felt. I know it's really scary, but the methotrexte helps slow the joint deterioration and will help with the pain. Good luck- Some people test negative RF and negative anti-ccp and still have RA. Your doctor is probably going by your symtems as much as by your blood work. Also i do not know if this helps. I was not able to start prednisone until after my anti-ccp blood test was drawn. So medicine can effect the way your bloodwork comes out. I also have very obvious Sjorgren's syndrome. But my bloodwork does not confirm. I am RF positve and my anti-ccp is 100. But nothing else shows up. I have Raynauds also.Thanks calamityjane- My rheumy gave me a call today to explain answers to my questions and stressed the importance of the meds- I promised to start them this weekend. I have read that Plaquenil makes some people feel anxious. Have you heard of that? Thanks again
I understand being scared. RA can be scary stuff and some of the drugs can be even scarier. Trust your rheumy. She sounds like a good one. I look at my rheumy as being my partner and honestly, I talk to him like I have NEVER talked to a doc before in my life. It took me a couple years to get past the 'denial' point of RA and now I'm just dang pissed off about it all. I suppose that is an improvement. The one constant point though is that I know my rheumy is on my side and that he's taking good care of me and understands. It sounds like you were diagnosed in early stages and that is a real good thing. You'll be just fine. Hang out in the forums. It's good to talk to folks who 'get it'. :) I have been on Methotrexate and Plaquenil for 21 years, my liver and kidneys test fine to this day. Good Luck.