Hi my name is Roxanne, I live in Tennessee and have had RA for about 15 years. I have done very well most of the time but have had some very bad times in the past. I was so glad to find this site and look forward to talking with any of you who want or need to talk.
CinDee
Hi CinDee
Yes I have come a long way since I was diagnosed. There was a time when I could not use a pen without terrible pain. My youngest son at the time had to start my car because it was so painful to hold and turn the key. To put a window down was awful. It would take a while to do it by using the side of my hand or arm. Don't give up and make sure you have a good Dr. who is willing to listen and work with you. I lived in Houston Texas when I was diagnosed and after a couple of Drs. that I didn't feel comfortable with I was referred to a lady Rheumatologist who started me on Plaquenil (Hydrochlorquine) a medication that was used for Malaria years ago. It has worked really well for me. It is use to slow down the progression of the disease. The only thing I have to really watch is my eyes, I have to have a complete eye exam twice a year and have a chart that I have to look at once every week or so. In the beginning I was on some different meds. and believe me I tried all kinds of remedies from raw garlic to going to China Town and buying illegal little black pills under the counter. I do still have some bad days and have a problem right now with my left hand, a joint is wearing out on me, and have a brace that I have to wear for about 6 more weeks but I can use a pen, open a door and start my car without pain. PTL So hang in there and write me any time you want to. I don't work anymore so I am home most of the time. I live next to my parents and help watch after them. Have a Blessed Week-End
HI ROCXY! Sorry it's taken so long to reply. I too was on plaqenil for several months and it didn't work for me. I hope it works for you. I also was on methotrexate and sulfasalazine and had allergic reactions to it. DR. put me on minocycline a couple of months ago. I have found that it is working in my hands and feet somewhat but I have new symptoms of pain in my hips and knees which I never had before. I was told if this didn't work our next step would be arava. I don't like all these side effects. Do you suffer from alot of pain and stiffness in the morning? How long does it last? My pain and stiffness went from several hours to about an hour so maybe this poison is working. I just don't know. What do you think? Will all this medicine make the disease go away or will we suffer from it off and on. I am sooooo glad to find this website. I don't feel so alone. I appreciate your time in writing and I think it's wonderful that you take care of your parents>just take care of yourself too!!!
Cindee