Hi

I had by hospital appointment yesterday & unfortunately my disease activity score is the highest its ever been, it was 6. something. my nurse was very good and looked over my notes and could see that since diagnosis in March 09 we haven't really got my RA under control and my esr hasn't really reduced.

So next plan is to add Hydroxchloroquine, I've been on mtx since January and recently have started doing this my injection because of a very sensitive stomach! Just wondered what people thought of this drug? They also said that if things do not improve that i will probably have to have Biologic treatment, which I'm not to sure what that involves?

I did feel light headed earlier but i think that could be more to do with that i feel very down again, I've been on anti depressants since January. Ive been off work for the last two weeks and really cant face going back next week, feel very low and it wouldn't take much for me to burst into tears I also cried in my appointment, what a wolly! Just really had enough of this RA its so unfair that we have to go through this and are unable to cope with the everyday jobs like just doing our hair!

Im fed up with my weight also, i cant seem to stick to a diet because all i want to do is comfort eat!

Grrr! Sorry for moaning just very fed up!



Take care
love lou xxx

Hi Lou

Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time at the moment, I think when we break down at such times, I have done it, it certainly lets them know just how low and ill you feel. It is very difficult for the medical profession to really understand how much we have to suffer with the constant pain and all the other issues we have to cope with all the time and I think it gives them some idea.

I hope you are able to move onto some new meds as soon as poss, I have taken hydroxychloroquinne but I don t think it really had any impact.

Take care Julia x

Hi Lou,

I have been on Hydro-whatsit triple therapy since Oct last yr, no side effects what so ever.

I have also been on Cimzia since may, WOW what difference I felt, 90% less fatigue, 60% less flare-ups, my Mum kept asking if I was still bouncing off the walls lol. I felt great.Administering my own syringes was no problem either, done and dusted in minutes.

BUT..........the last couple of weeks, I have been deteriorating. This week I have not been pain free at all.

Go for it, I hope it works for you. You will get training etc.

Lots of kind thoughts

Trace xx

Hi Louise

I've been on hydroxychloroquine since 2007 and so far it has worked very well for me. It took about 10 weeks to really kick in the first time but then I stopped them as I wasn't feeling good. In less than a week I couldn't even lift a spoon to my mouth so I starting taking them again but only half the dose which is 200mg. I'm now taking 300mg every day (1.5 tablets) and coping well. My consultant told me hydroxy is a very benign drug but can work well. I'm also on a low dose of steroids and amytriptylene. Good luck - Brenda

Hi Lou

Sorry things are not good for you at the moment but on the positive side with new medication added to the mix there's every chance things will improve. Unfortunately these things do take time to kick in so in the meantime try to rest when you are able. Can you perhaps stay off work a while longer until things are more stable? Try to stay positive Lou there are lots of options out there and the right drug/combi will be found for you.

Give yourself a treat ... you deserve it

Lyn x