Plaquenil has significantly reduced the peripheral joint pain but does nothing for my spine. When I take higher doses of anti-inflammatories, the spine pain, and Neuro symptoms (ataxia, swallowing, neuropathy, muscle weakness) are better controlled. However, I’ve been off them recently and the same symptoms that started 1.5 years ago are slowly returning.
When I first met my new Rheum about 6 months ago, he was adamant that it’s not CNS Lupus. Every doctor I’ve seen said I had a virus 1.5 years ago, one specialist called it Encephalitis. So I’m confused. Why would “viral” symptoms return, and return slowly, when stopping anti-inflammatories? I know RA can affect the spine, but my RF has always been negative. I have not been tested for Spondylitis.
Does anyone have any ideas or questions that I can bring to the Rheum next week?
Thanks xx
Written by
maye1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I was just going to say, before reading your last part of this post, that Spondyloarthritis is almost invariably seronegative and actually 30% of those with RA and Sjögren’s are seronegative too. I’m very interested in this myself having posted on a UK PsA fb group to ask about my nail pitting and hand arthritis - plus previously diagnosed with seronegative RA. I wasn’t expecting the response I got with lots of people commenting that my hands and nails looked very much like theirs with PsA. Plus there’s ankylosing spondy of course which usually impacts on the spine.
I don’t think Hydroxy would make much of an impact on inflammatory arthritis of the larger joints - nor degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis - all of which can and do overlap with our connective tissue diseases. X
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.