Disappointing follow up with rheumy

[chrisgirl]

Well, I went for my follow up today and as it turns out all of my blood tests were normal except a low platelet count.  He says because it looks like my immune system is operating normally, no need for Plaquenil.  He said he could just treat the symptoms.  Gave me samples of Lyrica and a prescription for Evexco (?can't read his writing) for dry mouth. 
Wants to do a platelet count again and test for another serum, SECP maybe?  Told me he would have the results Friday.  I looked up low platelets and this serum test and Lupus and Leukemia were a common thread.  He didn't say what he was looking for and when I asked him if he tested me for Lupus he said all tests were normal. 
So, no explanation for the dry eyes, mouth, skin, or all the neuro symtoms.  I was really thinking I was finally getting a dx and would be  put on something to slow this down.  I thought two weeks ago he said he would start me on Plaquenil even if I tested negative.  I'm totally confused now.
Has anyone had Lyrica be of help?

Christy

[eyeamdry]

Lyrica is often prescribed for nerve pain.  I can't do it justice by trying to explain it.  You should google it for proper definition.  I take Lyrica for trigeminal neuralgia pain and other PN problems. 

I also take Plaquenil and have since the dx of my sjogrens.  It does not do anything for dry eyes or mouth.  A rare person will say they are helped this way, but not often.  When you see him Friday, ask him for an explanation of why you got Lyrica instead of Plaquenil.  I had to fight with my ins company for 4 months to get Lyrica and jump through hoops.  My co-pay is $90 and it really is more expensive than I can afford, but I'm giving it a good try.

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Christy!

I don't take Lyrica but I have taken plaquenil for over 4 years with good results. I would like to take the Lyrica to help with my fibromyalgia pain, but it has a common side effect of weight gain which I definitely do not need right now...so we (my doctors and I) decided against it at this time.

As far as the Evoxac...this is a common medication to give for dry mouth and helps you produce more saliva. I tried it and it didn't work as well for me so I now take Salagen...but we are all different in how we react or don't react to medication.

Good luck to you and I hope these new meds help you with your symptoms....I would also ask why the doctor wont give plaquenil as well at your next appt. If you are having the symptoms...maybe it would help you!

Keep us posted!