My first sx was in April with Raynaud's phenomenom. Initial w/u all neg except RF 85.
First rheu felt sx secondary to Metoprolol - no other sx, no pain, stiffness, swelling,etc.
Went for second opinion, full w/u ANCA, Anticardiolip , cryoglobulin, CRP, ESR, all neg
RF up to 105. MRI right hand normal. MRI right wrist 5.0 mm cyst or erosion distal pole of the scaphoid. Now am experiencing some joint pain, fullness/swelling, stiffness in hands. Also pads of fingers painful.
Started on Plaquenil 6/20 200mg alt with 400mg. Was informed this is the least toxic of drugs. Am so concerned however with time element and progress of dx. If this is not effective, can't reverse damage so how would you advise a patient ??? I tend to think more agressive tx now would be prudent but not sure.
Am a breast cancer survivor (1997) (tubular) with excellent prognosis. Know I am not a candidate for biologics , but what about B cell mediator treatment???
Would also like to know if there is any way to tell how long RA has been present if no symptoms. Is there any way to tell how severe one's RA is?? I assume there are those with relatively mild cases and other's with severe , debilitating cases. How long typically before permanent damage and deformities appear????
Please respond - just looking for information and guidance
58 female Meds: Plaquenil, Procardia XL 60 qd, mvi, oscal, asa, ativan (prn) and zolpidem
?? glucosamine and chondroitin??? Biotin?? can I take ???
My first sx was in April with Raynaud's phenomenom. Initial w/u all neg except RF 85.
First rheu felt sx secondary to Metoprolol - no other sx, no pain, stiffness, swelling,etc.
Went for second opinion, full w/u ANCA, Anticardiolip , cryoglobulin, CRP, ESR, all neg
RF up to 105. MRI right hand normal. MRI right wrist 5.0 mm cyst or erosion distal pole of the scaphoid. Now am experiencing some joint pain, fullness/swelling, stiffness in hands. Also pads of fingers painful.
Started on Plaquenil 6/20 200mg alt with 400mg. Was informed this is the least toxic of drugs. Am so concerned however with time element and progress of dx. If this is not effective, can't reverse damage so how would you advise a patient ??? I tend to think more agressive tx now would be prudent but not sure.
Am a breast cancer survivor (1997) (tubular) with excellent prognosis. Know I am not a candidate for biologics , but what about B cell mediator treatment???
Would also like to know if there is any way to tell how long RA has been present if no symptoms. Is there any way to tell how severe one's RA is?? I assume there are those with relatively mild cases and other's with severe , debilitating cases. How long typically before permanent damage and deformities appear????
Please respond - just looking for information and guidance
58 female Meds: Plaquenil, Procardia XL 60 qd, mvi, oscal, asa, ativan (prn) and zolpidem
?? glucosamine and chondroitin??? Biotin?? can I take ???