RA question

[remission]

I’ve only been on hydroxychloroquine for two months and it has helped with the pain, however, I’m now experiencing extreme pain in my thumb joints, happens just out of the blue and suddenly I will scream in pain…..it’s just occurring in my hands….any thoughts why this is happening?

[sylvi]

You will need to be on the drug a few months before you really feel a difference. I suggest you speak to the rheumy who is looking after you darling. Sorry i can't be of any more help. xxx

[KittyJ]

Have you spoken to your doctors? could there be some inflammation still that is causing nerve pain, as it’s sudden pain but it’s good you’ve noticed it starting to work. It can take a good few months to work so hopefully this pain will improve the longer you are on hydroxy 🤞🏻

[Fruitandnutcase]

The others are right - when I started hydroxy I was told it takes a while to kick in. Not sure how long though but quite a while rather than days. Like Sylvi says you could contact your rheumy nurse for advice. They might be able to give you a short course of steroids to tide you over until the hydroxy kicks in. That was what happened with me, by the time I finished the three months on steroid tablets the hydroxy had started to work.

[remission in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thankyou, it’s only been ..actually, started in the hydro y jan 16, so not in that long, I see my rhuematolist in April, so will find out then. Thanks agajn

[Sheila_G]

Ring your rheumy team. Only they can tell you what to do. It is early days but you may need something else. Good luck.

[Hippo1234567]

it takes a long time to work and the changes are very gradual so stick with it. Mention it to your doctor who may be able to offer a “bridge” if you feel you need it.

[remission in reply to Hippo1234567]

thats good to know, don't believe I want any bridging medications, they all come at a cost, health wise and I'm used to a fair bit of pain. tks for the info