Hydroxychloroquine

[PLMurphy]

Hi I had my first appointment this with the rheumatologist who has started me on Hydroxychloroquine along with nifedipine also on a course of steroids for 4 weeks and drops for my dry eyes ! Anyone else on this ? I know it’s going to take a while to feel any benefit from it . He did say they can also give me methotrexate too if no improvement . The past few weeks I’ve been really struggling is there any light at the end of what seems a dark tunnel ?

[fairy56]

Hello PL, I take hydroxychloroquine, amlodipine and mycophenolate, amongst other medications, creams, lotions and drops for dry eyes and synthetic saliva, and yes I have times where I feel down, (a previous post) I know it would be a whole lot worse if I didn"t take my medication. This is a wonderful site to swap stories of our day to day struggles and our positive times, so yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it"s the beautiful sun or moon shining down on us all, not forgetting the stars that keep us all connected, take care, sending you positive thoughts x

[LucyJean]

Hello there, You are standing at the beginning of that tunnel, and from where you are it will look dark and never ending, with no hint of light at the end, but believe me, as you learn to live with your condition and as the drugs start to work you are going to start moving through the tunnel where you will start to see the light! Of course, there are many times when you find yourself back in the middle of the bl**dy tunnel again, but at least you will know that you don't have to be there all the time.

You are going to feel better as soon as the steroids start to do their thing (they are a fast acting potent anti-inflammatory and will deal with any inflammation in joints/skin etc). This is going to tied you over the period of several months that it will take for the HCQ to kick in (it is an anti-malarial medication that suppresses an over active immune system). You don't get full benefit for about a year in my experience, but it should help after a couple of months. The nifedipine is there to help improve the circulation to your hands/feet. It is important to look after yourself. You will need more rest time than someone else. Pace yourself. Eat well, move well, relax well and sleep well. Get support from others around you rather than struggling to go it alone. Keep talking to us on here.

All my best

Lucy xxx