Rheumy Update

[LucyK5821]

So pretty much my labs came back good even though my last labs all pointed to lupus. My doc thinks I was going through a flare and that she is putting me on Plaquenil for 3 months. IF my symptoms improve then she is diagnosing me with Lupus. If not well then it is something else. I am currently weaning myself off of prednisone and starting the Plaquenil today. I'm curious if the Plaquenil alone will make me feel better once I am off the steroids. Fingers crossed!!!!

[LucyK5821]

Also, the only thing that did NOT improve while on the prednisone was sharp shooting pains into my fingers and toes. Anyone experience this?

[AnnNY]

You may feel worse for awhile, because it takes time for the plaquenil to work and you are going off steriods. I took a low dose (200 mg), and the first thing that got better was a low grade fever after six weeks. Keep track on how you are feeling because the changes day to day are subtle. You may notice more energy and feeling less sickly before your pain changes. Also, for me I kept feeling better and better slowly month after month.

Hope it works for you.

[LucyK5821 in reply to AnnNY]

Thank you so much for your input! Great idea about the diary! I'll keep in mind baby steps for sure in the long run.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

We have on our website more information about the medications used in the treatment of lupus lupusuk.org.uk/treatments/ as well as a leaflet about medications lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u... which you might find useful.

For example Anti-Malarials are of help in patients with skin and joint involvement and of some assistance with fatigue. The drugs may be sufficient for patients with moderately active lupus to avoid using steroids. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) has anti-inflammatory properties, some sun-protective features and gives some protection against clotting - mepacrine is also used.