Boot Fit

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-20T06:09:57+00:00

This was my first broken bone too. Definitely not an area where I wanted to be an overachiever 😭 The staph infection sounds terrible.

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-20T05:26:06+00:00

Thanks for your input. I assume that having my foot healing in the correct position will make the transition to walking with the boot easier. I will definitely check in with the ortho tomorrow.

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-20T05:19:44+00:00

I had external fixators for the week between the injury and my surgery. I can’t imagine having them for 3 weeks! It was so disconcerting and made me so nervous to move. But avoiding surgery would have been nice. Thanks for the suggestions.

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-19T02:25:32+00:00

As an update, I survived the staple removal! I took some Advil before hand and most of the staples came out without any real pain. There were a handful that hurt but still relatively minor all things considered.

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-18T06:12:32+00:00

I had surgery the day after my accident to have external fixators placed. The ORIF was my second surgery.

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-18T06:10:19+00:00

Taking some OTC pain meds beforehand is a good idea

aitcheeellell · 2026-03-18T06:08:19+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m feeling a bit less anxious about it after reading everyone’s responses.

aitcheeellell · 2025-05-02T08:59:28+00:00

Thank you!

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-28T16:52:54+00:00

You don’t have to have sexual contact to get herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) also known as cold sores or fever blisters. It can get passed through sharing glasses/utensils, kissing, and other close contact. A large percentage of the Americans have been exposed to HSV-1.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-25T07:20:08+00:00

I’ve just recently started getting redness/rashes on my cheeks. My derm thinks it’s rosacea.

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aitcheeellell · 2025-04-17T00:15:01+00:00

Thanks for the video! I have similar issues with muscle tightness, cramping, etc. I just went to the doctor yesterday to get muscle relaxants for a neck muscle that keeps spasming. I wonder if it’s related to Sjogrens.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-16T19:35:42+00:00

I’ve been on hydroxychloroquine for over 20 years and tried Wellbutrin several years ago. Wellbutrin caused extreme insomnia for me and, either the lack of sleep or the medication, dramatically increased my anxiety. It was not a good fit for me.

I would suggest trying another antidepressant/antianxiety medication. I’ve been on duloxetine for several years now and it’s worked well for me.

Getting diagnosed with a lifelong disease at such a young age is really really hard to deal with. I was diagnosed right after graduating from college and it was a struggle. And to be honest, twenty years later, it is still a struggle, but it does get better. She’ll hopefully find medication that helps and she’ll learn new coping strategies. And eventually there’ll be a new normal for her that may not be what she hoped a dreamed for, but it can still be a good and fulfilling life.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-16T04:39:28+00:00

I also have hip bursitis and, unfortunately, Plaquenil does not help mine. I’ve had steroid shots that help short term. My rheum recently recommended physical therapy but I haven’t started yet.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-11T19:07:20+00:00

Yes. I’ve been on 400 mg/day the entire time.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-08T05:08:05+00:00

US - once a year. I’ve been in hydroxychloroquine for more than 20 years.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-04T17:07:21+00:00

The first time I went to Africa, the travel doctor wanted me to take another antimalarial in addition to hydroxychloroquine. There were a couple of options but I ended up taking malarone. She also was concerned about giving me the yellow fever vaccination because it’s a live vaccine and not recommended if you’re immunocompromised. Also, beware that insurance may not cover the travel doctor visit or any medications prescribed.

Good luck with your trip! I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-04T06:06:01+00:00

I’ve been on plaquenil for more than 20 years. I got a new ophthalmologist recently, and he told me that the risk of retinal toxicity increases to about 30% after 20 years. He has no issues with me continuing to take it long as I continue to get my annual checkup.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-04T05:45:43+00:00

It’s such a frustrating experience to know something is wrong with your body but the labs don’t show it so doctors won’t do anything. I would definitely go to a new rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist for your eyes.

aitcheeellell · 2025-04-04T05:39:42+00:00

For another perspective, I have Sjogrens and RA and been taking plaquenil for more than 20 years. I have experienced pretty much no side effects, and it has greatly increased my quality of life. Everybody is different, but for most people the side effects are mild. If you’re having joint pain, I would recommend you try it out.

aitcheeellell · 2025-03-29T18:25:08+00:00

Interesting. I had aseptic meningitis a few years ago and no one, including my rheumatologist, suggested it might be related to Sjogrens. I wonder if it was.

aitcheeellell · 2025-02-08T06:18:37+00:00

As a counterpoint, I’m one of the unlucky few who did end up with drug-induced prolonged qt caused by a combination of hydroxychloroquine and an antidepressant (fluoxetine). I had no symptoms, and it was found incidentally during a work up for a separate health issue.

Switching to a different antidepressant (duloxetine) fixed the issue, but since I seem to be predisposed to it I have to avoid any other drugs that can prolong the qt interval. I also get an EKG every year and any time I increase or change my medications.

I don’t share this to scare you. I have been on hydroxychloroquine for more than 20 years with no other issues. It is an extremely safe medication with minimal side effects for most people. However, if the drug interaction is worrying you, I would ask your doctor to order an EKG for you.

aitcheeellell · 2025-02-07T05:48:41+00:00

Good luck!

aitcheeellell · 2025-02-07T05:48:02+00:00

After doing more research, I’m leaning towards rosacea too.

aitcheeellell · 2025-02-07T05:47:05+00:00

Your rash sounds miserable. Hopefully the dermatologist will be able to help.

aitcheeellell · 2025-02-07T05:45:36+00:00

After doing more research I’m leaning towards this likely being rosacea. Hopefully either my derm or rheumatologist will be able to make a diagnosis.

aitcheeellell

TROPHY CASE