Possible RA?

[ACK80]

Hi everyone I would really appreciate some advice. I’ve been taking hydroxychloroquine since August and noticed a positive difference especially in fatigue in late November. I was therefore really hopeful that things would continue to improve and, a year after I first noticed the joint swelling I’d be fine. But in fact after a couple of “good” weeks in which I continued to have joint pain though no swelling, I’ve gone backwards again. My rheumatologist suggested upping the dose which I’ve done.

I feel like I’m living a half life - I have enough energy to fulfil my part time work commitments and ensure my children are ok but anything that isn’t a must doesn’t happen and my preferred state is horizontal with a heat pad. I’m 38 so this isn’t what I expected for this stage in life!

I still don’t have a firm diagnosis which doesn’t help. I’m a positive person and motivated to help myself and push through whatever this is but I find it hard to maintain a positive approach when the best I’ve felt for over a year involves low level ankle/foot and wrist/hand pain and the worst has been pretty hard to bear.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can improve things or has anyone been through a similar thing and can give me hope? Thank you!

[Fra22-57]

You probably need something else's adding.what other drugs are you prescribed

[ACK80 in reply to Fra22-57]

Hi I was taking etoricoxib but stopped when it felt like the hydroxy was kicking in.

[Fra22-57 in reply to ACK80]

Personally I would continue taking both meds until your rheumatologist gives you other meds on diagnosis. Wishing you more less painful days

[ACK80 in reply to Fra22-57]

I came off it on his advice. I’m thinking of starting it up again but I have very few days of noticeably swollen joints.

[Hidden]

Hi ACK80, I’m sorry you still don’t have a diagnosis. Here’s hoping that the increased dose has some positive effect for you and if it doesn’t do ring your rheumy nurse again. It does make it difficult to know what will help if you do not have a diagnosis but it can take a while to find the right combination of meds whatever the diagnosis so do not give up hope and hopefully you will have a diagnosis soon and find the meds that work for you.

[ACK80 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Kittyj!