Welcome, Pam!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Pam!

Sorry about your RA diagnosis and that your hands are so painful.

Plaquenil isn't the strongest or most effective DMARD (disease-modifying

antirheumatic drug) available, but it is often a good choice for early,

mild disease or when used in combination with other DMARDs.

It's quite common to use additional meds to help with the pain. There

are many choices and strategies available. You shouldn't be expected to

live with the pain.

I would contact your rheumatologist and tell him/her about your pain and

how it is interfering with you life.

a's Web site has a lot of helpful information about pain and

medications:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/drugs.html

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/pain.html

[ ] New member

> Hi all...another new " face " to learn...

>

> I was diagnosed with RA at the beginning of November after dealing

with

> bilateral hand pain for the better part of a year. I've been taking

> Plaquenil 100mg bid for the past 2 months. For those on this regimen,

do

> you notice a marked lack of pain when it finally gets into your

system?

> What do (or did) you take for the pain? My RF at diagnosis what 16.5

> points above normal, which I guess puts me in the beginning stages --

> but I'm used to working a physical job (Shipping and Logistics) using

my

> hands constantly, and I have a 3 1/2 year old son...and if this is

mild

> I'm not looking forward to the rest of the ride... I'm still getting

> used to the deep pain in the joints of my fingers whenever I stop

using

> my hands. My husband has been very supportive -- especially since the

> diagnosis, because the pain has been justified by the medical

> community... Whaddya know? It's NOT all in my head!

>

> Regards,

> Pam