Also a new member

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm also new to the group. This is the first time I've ever joined a

support group but it seemed like a really good idea. I started on Placquenil,

Prednisone and Celebrex about 2 months ago. I was actually referred by my eye

doctor to a family practice doctor who then referred me to a Rheumatologist

(Rheumy, I think I've seen in some postings ). I have had chronic eye

inflammation for some time and after 3 eye doctors who treated it like an

infection, only to have it return in a few weeks, this doctor started asking

some questions, such as, was I frequently tired, did my joints hurt, etc. I'm

really grateful to her for not brushing me off.

I had been having pain in my hands, wrists and ankles but really started having

trouble with my hips and could barely walk if I sat too long at work. My RH

factor was negative but sed rate was 50. I'm not really sure what all that

means. The rheumy office ran the tests and the doctor just called me back with

the results and called in the meds so I haven't gotten too much information. She

never said for sure it was RA, really didn't say much of anything. From what

I've been able to read, the drugs she's prescribed are for RA but I wasn't sure

since the RH factor was neg. I go back to her in another month.

The meds have made a HUGE difference already. My biggest problems with them are

the difficulty sleeping, night sweats and upset stomach. Nothing I can't deal

with but since I went on all 3 at once, I'm not sure which is causing what. Any

ideas? Is anyone else on Placquenil? I'm hoping the Prednisone is the culprit

because from what the dr said, I'm just going to be on it short term.

I'm still trying to get used to all of this and sometimes it's a little

overwhelming and a bit scary. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.