Hello Everyone - just to update you as promised in my last post. I saw my new consultant 4 weeks ago, she was excellent. I was with her for 3/4 of an hour she gave me a thorough examination, sent me for blood tests, x-rays and gave me another steriod to keep me going for 4 weeks when she wanted to see me again (that is today).

I have had my MTX increased on a fortnightly basis over the weeks and today she has intoduced hydrocycholorquine, she told me that whilst my RH is still active the good news is that the xrays showed that I have had no further joint damage. I have to see her again in 3 months when she will monitor if the new med regime will have shown signs of getting the RH into remission which is her plan (keeping my fingers crossed), but should I have any problems to contact the department and the nurse will give me any advice I may need.

She has been really great - what a difference from my previous consultant who hardly looked up from the desk when I walked in !!!

Has anyone else had experience of the hydroxycholorquine?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Jane

hi, i am on mtx 25mg inj and hydroxy and doing fine for me it works,was on sulphalazine but it hated me got the most horrendus rash,remember to let your optition know as the eyes could be a problem,the nurse has told you i assume but do read the info,dentist needs to know about mtx as well but hey its all uphill from now on,all the best,dorothy.

Hi. I'm on hydroxychloroquine. I had some hair loss to start with but I'm pleased to say that it was never noticeable and has stopped now. I've had no other side effects at all and I think it has been helping with the joints. I still feel dreadfully fatigued though so i hasn't helped this at all. I was pleased to learn that this drug is usually well tolerated and when I read that it is even given to pregnant women I was even more encouraged that it isn't very toxic on the body. I don't know if my reasoning here is correct but it made me feel better psychologically about taking it. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try and wish you luck.

Hi Jane

Glad to hear that you had a positive appointment appointment, really helps when you have a consultant that actually listens and looks at you when you are talking

I'm also on Hydroxy daily and MTX 20mg injection weekly, soon to be increased to 25mg weekly. I haven't had any side effects from this, i did try sulphazine but i have very sensitive stomach so i couldn't tolerate it that when I was give Hydroxy.

Good Luck and I hope things keep improving for you.

Take Care
Lou x

Jenni, you just reminded me that I'm due for an eye check. I forgot to mention this aspect of the hydroxy. 6 monthly eye exams are essential as very rarely the drug can cause eye damage. I paid for a 3D scan as well as the normal eye test when i started the drug 6 months ago. I think it set me back about £40. Money well spent as you can skimp on eye health.

Sylvia, I think I was advised to have the tests 6 monthly at first whilst the drug is new to me and then to have the test yearly after that. Naomi.