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Plaquenil is working...what does that mean???

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Posted 4/7/2013 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have been going to my Rheum for 13 years and really do not have a dx. After a roller coaster year and all test still come back good I am trying Plaquenil. It is working great. Swelling in my joints have gone down. Don't get me wrong i still have tough days but my joints feel so much better. So what does this mean??? Do I have RA or Lupus or what??? How can my blood work always come back good but I feel so bad?? Anyone else or there experience this. Rheum. Says we know you have something but just not sure what. Does Plaquenil work on Fibro??? I have had skins rashes before but not on my face. I do not have a temperature. I am just so confused and frustrated. I wish I had someone to talk to because this has gone on for so many years and I am tired of it. We are farmers and I work so hard but try to take care of myself. It is a juggling act. If I could hear from others like me I would really appreciate it.
Posted 4/7/2013 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
 

I would get a second opinion.  I know I did when I was first experiencing symptoms and frustrated with the Rheumy I first saw.  It was extremely helpful.

Laura

Posted 4/7/2013 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Plaquenil slows down the progress of lupus. It's used for RA too along with other meds.

I agree you do need to see a new Rheumy.
Posted 4/7/2013 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Laura and Joy. I have thought about another Rheum but don't want to start over. At the same time though...know they probably could see it with fresh eyes. I need to research my area to see if I can find a good one. We are limited to two in my town.

Did either of you go a long period of time to get a definitive diagnosis???
Posted 4/7/2013 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
about 4 months with my rheumy.
Others here took many years.
Lupus is hard to diagnose because it has a million faces.
Posted 4/8/2013 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
I started having problems in 2004. My lymphoma was discoved in 2006 and my lupus in 2008. Everything eles came after. When dealing with the immune system sometimes it takes awhile for the culprits to finally show themselves, til then you can only manage the symptoms.
Another opinion never hurts.
Posted 4/8/2013 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
 

It took me one year to get diagnosed, but I probably had it for almost 10 years prior to that.  I had been having so many symptoms and had been sick off and on since 1985.  It all started with back to back horrendous sinus infections and went downhill from there.  At first they didn't know what was wrong with me, then I was diagnosed with what doctors called CMV Virus and then Epstein-Barr induced mono.  That went of for about three years, and then I got somewhat better, until the next round of strange symptoms, which finally led to the Lupus diagnosis in 1996.  I think that what happens is that Lupus can mimic so many other problems.  Before I was diagnosed, I had no health insurance, so I tended to "toughen it out."  And I live in a rural, isolated community, where the doctors are not always up to par with physicians found in more urban areas.  Thankfully, I now have a wonderful Rheumy who plans on staying here!!

Laura

Posted 4/8/2013 11:09 AM (GMT 0)
I think you all are right a second opinion doesn't hurt. I also have a husband who is not very sympathetic. Like I said we are farmers and it has to get done. Since I do not have a dx he says ohhh we are just getting old. Yea right buddy!! It will help me in so many ways to have a definitive dx. @laura like you I am tired of toughen it out. I need to know what it is.

My main problems are major fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, neurological issues, sun sensitivity. I have had swollen lymph nodes, nose and mouth ulcerations, hearing loss, and just odd quirky stuff through out the years. This all started 18 years ago and been with dr 13 yrs.

I respond we'll to prednisone but hate to take it. I am finally on meds that help pain and like I said plaqenil is working. I think if they could finally say yes you have THIS. I could give myself a break and so could others.

I hate to sound like I am whining but I do not talk to anyone about this. I just feel I just need a resolution.

Thank you all for listening and responding
Posted 4/8/2013 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
That you should be happy to find a med that help you? :)
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