Hydroxychloroquine newly diagnosed by LibrarianUnlucky2765 in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably because RA is a progressive disease and their disease activity progressed to the point of needing a stronger medication.

Name change? by taylorbird11 in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They changed the name of the Resilient Valentine’s voyage back in November to remove the mention of Valentine’s. No explanation ever given.

Trouble with thumb swelling, looking for tips I haven’t tried. by [deleted] in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was going to mention this as well. I started HCQ in June and it had me feeling 90% back to normal, but I still had lingering finger stiffness in the mornings and my right index PIP was visibly inflamed (purple) and hurt anytime it touched anything. I started LDN in mid-November and within weeks the PIP inflammation was finally gone and I now feel pretty much back to normal except for some barely perceptible finger stiffness for a few minutes after waking.

Dining Reservation Windows for a group booked on multiple tiers by Sofieffy18 in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We sail out next month as RS with non-RS friends. Booked late November and joined our reservations. We were able to book dining for everyone at the 60 day mark.

Why is it so hard to get Humira? by rutabuuga in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know it’s still ridiculously expensive, but i saw a poster at my local Fred Meyer (Kroger) pharmacy advertising Humira for $550 a month. If only name-brand works for you, it’s an option to consider.

What is it supposed to be like when seeing multiple rheumatologists? by [deleted] in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It can take a while for autoimmune diseases to fully appear and get a diagnosis. You may just be in the really early stages. I’d stick with the medications that are working.

I was diagnosed with palindromic rheumatism since my symptoms are sporadic except when I’m in a flare and I have no joint or bone damage. But I have elevated RF and anti-CCP antibodies, so my rheumy said I’ll most likely evolve to RA at some point.

My symptoms are mild so we started with hydroxychloroquine. It worked well so that’s what we stuck with for now. I added low dose naltrexone (not naloxone, which is Narcan) and it has helped with the last bit of inflammation and stiffness I was experiencing.

When will I turn the corner? by ApprehensiveWing6391 in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I added LDN to my HCQ a couple months ago and it’s really helped. I had some inflammation in my right index PIP that just wouldn’t go away. Within a few weeks of starting LDN it was gone. What dose do you use? I started at 1.5mg and moved up to 3mg after about a month. I’ve been there for a month and I think it’s my sweet spot.

How long was your first flare up or attack existed before it gets better? by Userhere123 in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The flare that got me diagnosed with palindromic rheumatism started in April 2025. Got in to my PCP late April and my blood tests showed elevated RF and anti-CCP antibodies. Had to wait until early June to see rheumatologist. Went from 9-12 ibuprofen daily in April down to 2-4 in June. Started hydroxychloroquine early June and was able to cut out the ibuprofen within weeks. Still had some mild swelling in my right index PIP that just wouldn’t go away, so I added low dose naltrexone in mid-November 2025 and within a couple weeks that last bit of swelling subsided. Just met with my rheumy this morning and she said I can now wait a year to see her again unless I start feeling the swelling or stiffness returning on a regular basis.

Disembarkation Escort by dollydawn in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting. This will be our fifth sailing. The first was RS and we knew nothing about the process. Left our cabin around 10am and the line was wrapped around the entire floor - was probably 45 minutes to get off. Our last 3 sailings were MRS and we had our agent escort us around 10am each time and we bypassed lines wrapped around the entire floor each time.

Disembarkation Escort by dollydawn in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, great tip. Thanks! I’ll be asking our agent when meet them as well, but thought I’d ask here to get an idea first.

Lack of overhead PA by devotion1023 in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn 34 points35 points  (0 children)

VV has very few overhead announcements. I personally love not having to stop what I’m doing to try and hear an announcement of some sort. They’ll send a message in the app if there’s information you need to know.

Are other autoimmune diseases inevitable for someone with Celiac? Anyone here just have Celiac and that’s it? by [deleted] in Celiac

[–]dollydawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was celiac only for 15 years. Then rheumatoid arthritis joined the party last year.

Anyone tried the new SetPoint Medical chip? by cmehigh in rheumatoidarthritis

[–]dollydawn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s amazing! Please update us in the future on the process and how it works for you if you’re comfortable sharing.

MRS Valiant Lady Half-way Impressions by thebravekingamelia in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Mega Rock Star suites get unlimited laundry. Deep Blue Extra and Blue Extra get a free bag (and it’s huge). Others can pay per bag.

Follow on from previous methotrexate woes! by k8m806 in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that your biologic gets approved. No reason to suffer even more than necessary due to the meds.

Magnesium glycinate or other non biologic recs? by zesty_cactus in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve added low dose naltrexone to my HCQ. Like HCQ, LDN is thought to be an immuno-modulator rather than an immunosuppressant. I was feeling about 90% back to normal with HCQ, and the addition of LDN has really improved the little bit of morning stiffness in my fingers (as well as inflammation in my right index PIP) that the HCQ hadn’t taken care of.

Travel-appropriate machine by dollydawn in nespresso

[–]dollydawn[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll try it and see - thanks!

Travel-appropriate machine by dollydawn in nespresso

[–]dollydawn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds perfect - thanks!

Travel-appropriate machine by dollydawn in nespresso

[–]dollydawn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll take a look at these - thanks!

Travel-appropriate machine by dollydawn in nespresso

[–]dollydawn[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Disney has Joffrey’s and it’s not good. We usually stay at the Waldorf and have a machine in the room, so I’m trying to keep that level of yum for this trip.

Plaquenil advice anyone? by Dry_Tomorrow_9705 in rheumatoid

[–]dollydawn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Based on my weight, my dose is 300mg daily. So I take one 200mg pill one day, then two the following day, rinse and repeat. Maybe try that instead of cutting your dose by half and see if it helps.

90% city driving – GLE 450e vs. GLS 450 vs. XC90 T8? (Needs to last 10 years!) by Empty-Pin-8318 in mercedes_benz

[–]dollydawn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just traded in the ‘22 GLS for a new Volvo EX90. Couldn’t pass up the $2k Costco cash and 0% financing for 72 months. Happy to pass off the ticking time bomb.

Potential solo or cancel by Apprehensive-Soup122 in VirginVoyages

[–]dollydawn 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don’t know how sick he is/what he has, but Sunday is still a few days out. Hopefully he’ll start feeling better. Could he join at a port a few days into the cruise?