I just don't know what to do. I am in pain, fatigued, the Plaquenil made me sooo tired and my rheumy is on vacation for the next week. I am always so scared to go to the doctor because of horrible experiences in the past. I'm only 24, but I feel 94 and it's getting worse every day. I'm so done.
Does anyone know of any good rheums in the NYC area?
Hey Rabbitt,
Sorry your are feeling so low. I can't help with the Rheumy as im in Australia but i just wanted to let you know im thinking of you and know how horible the all consuming fatigue is. Have you only just started the plaquenil? It can make you feel a bit off in the few few weeks but then settles down. Are you able to rest? Or do you have to work? Its so hard when you're feeling so tired and have to drag your butt to work.
Hopefully someone in NYC will come along and can help you. Have you checked in the looking for a Doc section? It will pass try and hang in there and hopefully you can find a doc that will help you out.
Take it easy and keep us posted
Pud
sorry, I just totally ranted there!
I've been on Plaquenil since May and been basically flaring since May...the Plaquenil made my fatigue markedly worse, but helped with the joint pain. It also made me very forgetful. :o
Hi downrabbithole :)
Never worry about ranting in here - it's par for the course and is just fine.
I really hope someone recommends a good rheumy for you because if Plaquenil is not suiting you there are other similar drugs that might suit. We're all different - as is our reaction to medications.
May to September is a long flare so I quite understand why you're feeling so fed up.
I'd definitely have a word with your doc and tell him/her that you're worried about the fatigu and the brain-fog and are finding it difficult to function and see what they say. Have they checked your thyroid levels for instance? An underactive thyroid can make you feel awful - very tired and very brain-fogged. Maybe taking Plaquenil is a coincidence - maybe not. Get it checked out!!
Take care - Scottie :)
dtrh, (that is my abbreviation for your nick) I don't blame you for being so darn disgusted with being sick. It is really the pits. I know the feeling about the fatigue. Also, I am wondering if the Plaquenil really is the cause of your fatigue that is worse. The plaquenil doesn't kick in for at least 6 months or even longer and I am wondering if the fatigue is just part of your flare.
If you haven't had a sleep study done it might be a good idea to check into it. I had another one done and have been on a CPAP for one week and I do believe that my brain fog isn't as bad. If this continues to help I will be eternally grateful. If we can get some relief from some of the symptoms or all the symptoms it truly is a gift.
I hope and pray that you can hang in there. I started having symptoms around age 20 and when I think back to how I felt at such a young age I wonder why I didn't make a bigger fuss. There are drugs to help if the plaquenil doesn't do the trick, but don't give up too soon. By the way, did the doc put you on Prednisone til the Plaquenil kicks in better???? Many times the docs will do that and then taper down and off the prednisone. TAlk with your doc about this. Irish ;D