Today...

 I was on Plaquenil for about 8 years and had relatively few symptoms until 2019.

I had sciatica issues in my back and couldn’t walk.  Eventually with physical therapy, I was able to walk, and then I had double guided injections in my back giving me the freedom to walk, but I still needed physical therapy.  Somewhere along the line during the bout with Sciatica, I tore my rotator cuff and needed surgery to repair it.  While I was waiting for the surgery, I had more and more problems with my knees and hands.  I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and expected to arrange surgery after my shoulder surgery.  I broke my wrist, and it was discovered that my wrist was STILL swollen despite the fracture healing.  At the time, the PA frantically went through my records to see if there was something else... she found it.

"I think you need to see your Rheumatologist because I think you might be in a flare." She told me.   And I was.

In the beginning...

In 2008, I discovered that I was in so much pain in my knees that I could not get up off the couch.  When I went to the family doctor, he checked me out and among the other tests he did was a blood test.  When the test came back, it was discovered that I had RA. 

What is RA?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs.  Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, physiotherapy and medication can help slow the disease's progression. Most cases can be managed with a class of medications called anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS).

My doctor referred me to a Rheumatologist, Dr. Maged Hosny of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Center of Dover, Delaware.  He also has an office in Milford Delaware.  Dr. Hosny started me off on Methotrexate and a couple of other drugs before settling on Plaquenil.