I am a Type 1 diabetic with RA , hypothyroidism and bowel disease. I was diagnosed with RA 6 months ago and put on Hydroxycloroquine . I don’t feel like I’m ever out of pain . I’m constantly swollen In wrists, knees and my neck , hips etc hurt to the touch . I’m at my wits end . I rang the nurse and was told to take paracetamol and ibuprofen too but it’s not helping. I’m full of cold constantly and trying to go to work is a killer. Can anyone plz advise me what I can possibly do ?
Thank you 😊
So sorry to hear what a rough time you are having! Six months should be long enough to see if the hydroxy is helping (apparently not enough, anyway). Do you have an appointment scheduled with your rheumy? I would call and nicely, but forcefully, let them know it is not helping and you need them to take another look and come up with a plan to help you feel better. There are a lot of different treatments available, and sometimes it takes time to find what works for you, but you might need to give your rheumy a push to try something new!
6 months is a long time without a follow-up to a new treatment. I would contact rheumatology and ask to be seen soon.
Yes,agree with others that you should be pushing (politely of course) to be seen for a review of your treatment. You've given hydroxy a good try, but it's clearly not enough.
I’m really sorry you are struggling with the RA. I would call the service again to get an earlier appointment,
My appointment is April 18th but unsure I can wait that long . I’ve left a message for the rheumy nurse to contact me ASAP today .
🤞she can help me
Hiya Collielover, welcome. I'm sorry that HCQ doesn't seem to be working for you. As your appointment isn't for another 3 weeks would it be worth asking your GP to prescribe you something more effective than the paracetamol & ibuprofen your Rheumy nurse suggested? A more specific NSAID may well be more help in reducing the inflammation & in turn pain until your treatment is reviewed.
There are other DMARDs your Rheumy can prescribe so don't worry, this isn't a long term problem. I'm sure options will be discussed with you. I started on HCQ which worked for a year then just stopped. I then started methotrexate which I still take 10 years later.
Today my April 18th appointment has been cancelled until end of May so I have spoken to the hospital and the nurse has passed my request to the consultant. Someone hopefully calling me back by Friday 😫 just hoping they hurry and give me something else !!
Could your go give you a steroid injection? Perhaps not with your other issues. But may be worth exploring?
Drs for better/stronger pain control - Im sure my Dr once, some time ago, got in touch with rheumy to ask for an emergency appointment when I was in a lot of pain - worth a try - good luck x
Hi Collielover. I have type 1 diabetes and Ra and the diabetes has not got in the way of drug I've been prescribed for the Ra. I've had a lot of the dmard type drugs and biological ones. I have also been given oral steroids and steroid injections to reduce inflammation. Steroids do raise your blood sugar if you are type 1 diabetic but knowing this you can increase your insulin dose to compensate for this if you are knowledgeable enough about the condition. Your GP can advise you on this. You have quite a while to wait till May and you definitely sound like you need more effective treatment. So I would definitely go back to your doctor and say you want a more effective treatment. Best wishes xx
My GP saw me this afternoon and gave me a steroid injection. It has raised my BG a little but not too badly . I have an insulin pump and Libre so can monitor my bloods closely over next few days . Thank you to everyone who has given me advice . Fingers crossed this will help me out xx
You could post some pictures of your Collie ? hope you feeling better
Morning, I am starting to feel a little relief thank you .. It’s been a difficult week or two 🙄
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