How long to wait?

By legalscooby Monday, January 07, 2008

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I was diagnosed over a year ago with RA. After waiting forever and a day to get an appointment with a rheumatologist, I was put on plaquenil about 5 months ago. It has done absolutely nothing for me, and my rheumatologist keeps saying "give it time". I know it can take some time to work, but how long does one wait and suffer before trying something else?

My pain levels have increased significantly over the past few months, and some days my knees and feet hurt so badly that I can hardly walk. My fatigue level is a real problem as well, probably due to the RA and chronic anemia I seem to suffer from.

I apologize that my very first post is a gripe, but I'm growing impatient and would like some relief. I'm too young to feel this old!

Comments (2) | Add comment

Amy

1/28/08 8:35pm

Hi my name is Amy,

I have had RA for 3 years now, and mine is on the control side of things right now. I wanted to inform your of my story. I was given plaquenil, and I remember that I was feeling no change at all, my feet hurt all the time and it wasn't making thing any better. I also want to tell you that I wanted change fast. So I changed doctors and he put me on Humira, and along with some other combs that your doctors know of.. I feel better... But the answer to your question how long to wait? I had to wait about two years to get where I am now, and along with staying in control with my doctor it has helped. ( side note to the humira, you can't of tested + for TB ever, and they can help you if you don't have any insurance).. But stay with it, and stay positive...

azgirl87

1/30/08 9:33pm

Hi - I have had RA for 15 years now and I was diagnosed when I was 24 years old. It was a rough go at first. I couldn't turn the shower on, couldn't dress myself - I literally crawled on the floor to get around. I had no clue what was wrong with me. Since then, I live a active, healthy life. I go to the gym, bike ride, do everything a "normal" person can do, just a little more exhausted than everyone else. I have been on plaquenil since I was diagnosed. I can tell you that the plaquenil alone may not be enough. I am also on Celebrex and Sulfasalzine which has been a life saver for me. It does take time to work, but 5 months is too long to continue suffering. I would recommend finding another doctor - life is too short to live in pain.

How long to wait?

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