constipation

If you've just started on plaquenil, that can cause lots of tummy problems for a couple of months. Are you taking prednisone? Don't hesitate to keep a list of new issues as they come up and call your rheumy's nurse and talk to her. My experience has shown that nurses are usually very helpful and compassionate. I always call and ask for the nurse and tell her what's going on. She can often help me without talking to the doctor. Sometimes she calls me back with a message from the doc. You don't have to wait for an appointment to get help. Your constipation sounds like it's pretty bad and your rheumy or pcp might prescribe a stronger laxative for you. Good luck. That can be really miserable.

Hi Dumplin, Pat gave you some great advise, I think it would be wise to talk to your rheumy about it. For me I had diarrhea for so many years then all the sudden constipation, I went from one extreme to another. I was going a week with no movement at all then I would take Ducolax to make me move. I went to the GI doc, he tried me on Zelnorm which didn't work, I tried plum smart juice, finally I went to a compounding pharmacy and bought some magnesium it worked pretty good for me.

Now I try to eat nuts (almonds, etc, no peanuts), different foods with fiber but I am very limited in this area because I am on a gluten free diet. I have started eating the Yoplait digestive health yogurt, its good and it works.

You also may want to stay away from other dairy products until it passes, that may be where the gas and bloating is coming from. I hope this helps and you find some relief soon. Take care and keep us updated on how you are feeling.