Re: Hi :) Where do I go from here?

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen,

Welcome to the group, although I'm sorry you have to be here.

You'll find this is a friendly group with people willing to share

their experiences and provide support to each other. I've had RA

for over 6 years, but there are several in the group who are

recently diagnosed.

I'm in the Portland Oregon area - normally at this time of year we

get a lot of rain, but this year it all seems to be heading south to

California, so it's been sunny, but certainly not 80 degrees!

Are you seeing a rheumatologist? If so, I would suggest that as

your next step. Plaquenil is one of the older DMARDs (disease

modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), and for many people it is enough to

keep things under control. If you're starting to have more pain and

stiffness, you may need something stronger, and a rheumatologist is

the best person to evaluate and prescribe that. The good news is

that there are several different drugs available, the bad news is

that it is a trail and error process to find the right ones for you.

Feel free to post any questions or frustrations that you have -

someone will usually answer within a day or so.

Beth

>

> Hi there, my name is Jen and I am new to the group.

>

> I hope that everyone has had a wonderful holiday season. I am

sitting

> in central Florida with 80 degree weather, sorry, don't mean to

rub

> it in to those in the snow

>

> One quick question: I have been diagnosed since Jan. 2004 (one

year

> anniversary this month) and have been on Plaquenil and Naprosyn

sence

> the beginning. In the last month I have more pain and stiffness

then

> in the past. I your vast experience, what do doc go with next or

do I

> have to stay on Plaquenil longer before they try something new.

[Guest guest]

--- In Rheumatoid Arthritis , " " <jennie@c...>

wrote:

> One quick question: I have been diagnosed since Jan. 2004 (one year

> anniversary this month) and have been on Plaquenil and Naprosyn

sence

> the beginning. In the last month I have more pain and stiffness

then

> in the past. I your vast experience, what do doc go with next or do

I

> have to stay on Plaquenil longer before they try something new.

Usually, the next step is methotrexate.

Sierra

[Guest guest]

snowdrift52003 <snowdrift52003@...> wrote:

> One quick question: I have been diagnosed since Jan. 2004 (one year > anniversary this month) and have been on Plaquenil and Naprosyn sence > the beginning. In the last month I have more pain and stiffness then > in the past. I your vast experience, what do doc go with next or do I > have to stay on Plaquenil longer before they try something new.Usually, the next step is methotrexate. Sierrahi Sierra,

i'm sure you'll have to disguess it with your Dr but just wanted to say MTX was mines frist choise along with alssolfidine ( sorry about the spelling ) off that now and voltaren have been on remicaid for 3 treatments now and in pain since 99 dxed since 04/04 i seem to feel better now a few days after taken the mtx now knock on wood and hope these words dont make me out wrong LOL

later john__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thats for the replies!! I look forward to getting to know everyone.

By the way; Marcia, only 30 inches, I am 39 and have only seen 30

flakes :^)

Everyone have a great day.

Jen