Whirlwind

[JennaShi]

The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind. The last two weekends we have been on respit for our foster child and boy, she has a lot of energy! Thankfully, my daughter and husband been able to keep up with her. I have been more in the background watching, taking pictures, and taking care of the little things, such as checking in, talking and support. I pretty much knew that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone so I requested Plaquenil from my Rheumy in hopes for the fatigue to subside a bit and help with the stresses and prevent possible flareup or anything to get worse.

I’m excited that she will be joining our family and hopeful for permanency. My husband doesn’t share it but I think he’s excited too. Our daughter is stoked and I think our fp is really excited too. Another child is more responsibility (but the good kind) and we have already started to learn so much from her!

My question: does it take time for plaquenil to start working better? I have started it tgis past Saturday and have been able to do a few more things but the last couple days I’ve been pretty much a sloth with achey joints, muscles, legs, and fatigue; feeling a little discouraged.

Our placement is to be moving in this week or next and I want to be more involved. Even just sitting here the last two days and seeing my daughter and her asking to get out and do stuff, I feel bad that she’s used to it and that I haven’t been more active in her life. What do you guys with children do?

I’m getting xrays of my knees and ankles. Had a swollen knee a little while ago that wasn’t Red or hot to the touch. We did some minimal climbing and hiking. My hip and legs were hurting also.

A relatively new symptom is that I have this weakness or what feels like weakness and pain radiating from the front of my ankles up and down from that spot. Thought maybe it was from my sneakers but am not certain anymore.

Hoping things improve in the future with the medication. So far have have been eating it with food but it causes alot of stomach ache.

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi Jenna...I'm so excited for you and your family with your new addition. I'm sure your husband is just nervous about a new responsibilityI take hydroxchloroquine...it takes at least 8 weeks to start to work 6 months for full effect.i suffered headaches and nausea for about a month but rode it out.i find plain biscuits helped.

My son was 11 when I became Ill. He has always had to help me around the house he has to cut the grass and walk the dogs when I'm not well enough to do so.he has also had to shield with me.i do feel guilty that he hasnt been able to what he wants but on the flip side he has the rest of his life to do what he wants and I also think he has grown up a well rounded person who is less selfish and willing to help ......i dont think it does them any harm I would like to think its given him a better understanding and more compassion towards disability and chronic illness.He turns 18 in the summer.

Good luck be kind to yourself and dont beat yourself up over things you maybe cant do just now.if you over do it you will be no use to any of them further down the line if you have a flare xxx

[JennaShi in reply to Spanielmadlady]

You responded to me a month ago, I’m sorry, it’s been so busy and find myself long for more quiet time. How are you doing and how is your family?

Thank you, yes he definitely is. Even when we got married he had similar thoughts and worries as he had been single and taking on two more people was a big responsibility.

I’m glad you didn’t give up even though it caused you headaches and nausea and pushed through. Do you feel much better having taken it for a while now?

I had a delayed reaction breaking out in a five day rash but kept hitting it with benedryl and zyrtec and can happily say it’s gone!

Your son sounds like a sweet young man. That is so neat that he has chosen to allow what has happened to you to mold and shape him for the better by having more compassion, understanding, and empathy. It’s hard for all kids these days who are at home and sheltering, please don’t be hard on yourself.

Thank you, I will try, it’s all a learning process, right?!

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi JennaShi,

How exciting! Congratulations on growing your family

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) usually takes 3-6 months to exert its full effects. You can learn more this in our factsheet about lupus and medication at lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Below, are some links to resources which you may find useful;

Joints/muscles – lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Managing fatigue – lupusuk.org.uk/managing-fat...

Pain management – lupusuk.org.uk/pain-managem...

Best wishes,

Chanpreet

[JennaShi in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank you and thank you for these helpful links Chanpreet! 💜