Confussed

[jetttsd]

Yesterday went to rheumatologist to get test results. He had said when I went in before, he was pretty sure it was RA. After getting tests back RF is negative but ANA positive, now I don't know if RA or Lupus. ANA can be positive in RA too I guess. Started me on PLAQUENIL 200mg 2 times per day.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya jetttsd. 400mg Hydroxychloroquine was the DMARD I was prescribed when I had my seropositive diagnosis. Sorted me out for a good while with the help of steroids, NSAID & pain relief so I hope it does you as well.

If you're unsure which disease he's treating then I would ring your Rheumy nurse (you'll probably find a contact number in the blurb you were given) explain as you have here, she should be able to help. Meanwhile this may help you understand all about testing for ANA labtestsonline.org/understa...

I hope it works as well for you as it did for me but don't expect to feel the benefits straight away. It can take up to 12 weeks for you to notice any difference though it is actually working. It's no quick fix & as it's a DMARD it has to build up in your system, but your Rheumy probably explained that. It's worth remembering though as I know you'll just be wanting some relief!

[jetttsd in reply to nomoreheels]

Dear Nomoreheels, Thank you for your reply. It is good to speak with someone who has been there. I hope it works for me.

[nomoreheels in reply to jetttsd]

No probs. It's a great site for support & I'm sure others will come along & share their experiences. I know it can be difficult, even with partners as they can't begin to understand the pain & fears of new diagnosis, whichever autoimmune disease we have but fortunately (or rather unfortunately!) we can.

[jetttsd in reply to nomoreheels]

That's true. When I complain about pain, my partner tries to empathize by telling me his ankle or wrist hurts too. He doesn't get it, everything hurts all the time. It's very scary for me as both my grandmother and aunt had severe cases of ra and were crippled. Both died from complications. The good news is now they have better medications. Thank you for being here.

[nomoreheels in reply to jetttsd]

Yes, I'm not entirely sure if my nan had RD as I was 14 when she died but I do remember her terribly deformed hands & feet. I still have her walking stick! She took brufen & gingerly applied a foul smelling ointment & that's only going back to the 70's though not course the damage was done long before then. I wish the newly diagnosed who resist the meds available nowadays had such a good point of reference. I don't think Rheumy's help as they're often so busy & just so wrapped up in concentrating on the meds & many don't explain why they're so necessary. I had a wonderful Consultant initially who explained in a kind manner they're not just for our joints but the other health implications like increased possibly of cardiovascular disease (stroke, angina, heart attack).

Our partners don't know the half of it! But no doubt you give him lots of sympathy for his ailments lol!

[jetttsd in reply to nomoreheels]

Lol

[earthwitch]

Good that he is treating you, and if he isn't sure about RA or lupus, then plaquenil is exactly the right med to start with because it would benefit either. Sometimes blood tests aren't totally conclusive initially, and it can take a while with rheumatological conditions before it becomes clear what you have got. Just try and feel happy that at least the rheumatologist is happy to try treating you with something, and make sure you feed back to them or the rheumatology nurse how it is working for you.

[jetttsd]

Thank you for your comment. I am happy he is treating me. I have read about others not getting treatment. I hope it works for me. He also gave me steroids to bring inflammation and pain under control.

[kgk92]

All of my tests were negative, so my rheumatologist diagnosed me as seronegative ra. I am taking 15 mg Meloxicam and 400 mg plaquinil daily. I've been taking both for 8 weeks now with no improvement, but I am still trying to be positive as they said it could take 4-6 months to see results. I pray and hope for the best for anyone suffering with this disease or any other for that matter!

[jetttsd]

It's very frustrating when tests are negative. I think he didn't give me the seronegative yet was because he couldn't eliminate lupus because of the positive Ana. At least he started me on treatment. I hope the planquinil starts to work for you soon. They told me 2 months to start seeing much, and 6 months before full help. I too am praying for all. Let me know if you start seeing any improvement.