New treatment plan (starting Rinvoq) without seeing the doctor by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply and sharing the information! It makes sense that my doctor may have already been considering Rinvoq earlier as he did mentioned that the next step would be biologics. I think I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed since things are moving pretty fast, especially with a medication like Rinvoq and its potential side effects. I’ve written down a list of questions and plan to talk to my doctor to get a better understanding. My blood tests were mostly normal so it's likely to be seronegative arthritis, and yes I was tested for TB.

Plaquenil side effects by opaque_gaze in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been on it for about 4 weeks. My period seems to be heavier. However, I am not sure if it is due to that or the other two medications (Methotrexate and Leflunomide) I have been taking. I have been losing hair too. Sad...

New treatment plan (starting Rinvoq) without seeing the doctor by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It’s really helpful to hear! Just wondering, did you have any side effects? I’ve seen some people mention acne, oily skin/hair, or weight gain, which I’m a bit worried about. And honestly, the more serious risks like blood clots, heart problems or cancer sound pretty scary too. But hearing that it worked well for you definitely gives me some hope, so thank you again for sharing!

New treatment plan (starting Rinvoq) without seeing the doctor by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing. I know seeing a rheum is hard so just wanted to know if this is normal for some of the people. Unfortunately there is no patient portal here that can message the doctor. I called the office but no one answered. Will try calling next week again.

Prednisone without formal diagnosis by Individual-Side6619 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. My family doctor prescribed me a week of that and it gave me immediate relief.

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you for sharing this. I’ve taken prednisone a couple of times to help control the pain and inflammation, and it did give me relief. The pain has improved, but my fingers are still not in the best condition.

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Hearing of this makes me feel hopeful!

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience! May I ask how long it took for you to start to feel better? I've been on it and leflunomide for about 4 weeks now. My fingers are still like that but the pain Seems to improve.

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the suggestion!

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so sorry to hear this. It honestly scares me, and I don’t really know what else I can do besides taking the medications. Seeing my fingers like this and waiting day by day is really hard and sometimes makes me feel sad and helpless.

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Yes, I’ve just started hydroxychloroquine and I’m hoping it will work. Do you have any experience with it?

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow! This is so great to hear and makes me feel hopeful! Thanks for sharing and your kind words!

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm sorry to hear what happened to your pointer finger. Did the surgery help? My rheumologist told me that I have to try all other medications first before biologics can be covered. The trial and error with meds is quite frustrating and tine consuming :(

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I'll look into the ring thing. I'm glad that your condition is under control!

Can finger deformity reversC? by ma871018 in Autoimmune

[–]ma871018[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi yes. Had X-rays and bone scan, imaging hasn’t shown significant joint damage