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Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (82)Comment receiving replies
I was on both Methotrexate and Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquin) for about fifteen years. The MTX on Fridays seemed to relieve swelling and other stress related effects. Twenty years in, I retired and did not need the MTX and reduced Hydroxychloroquine to 1 x/day. I also had to stop taking NSAIDs but have found that a non-processed diet (moderate nightshades, eliminate sugars) and staying hydrated help alot, in addition to PT and keeping up basic exercise. In my 70s, I have some kidney issues, but no other effects that the great life I was able to have with the help of the drugs. Inactive ingredients can affect how they do for you; try a name brand if the generic gives you side effects, for instance.
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@marye2 67 year old just diagnosed with lupus and the health care in Canada is Crap. If I’d seen a rheumatologist eight months ago (that’s the wait time to see almost any specialist), my dsDNA butter would’ve been half what it is today. So, got the diagnosis, told the rheumatologist had no further responsibility except to give a standing order for blood tests every six months, and prescribed Plaquenil. Gov’t only pays for generic, I’m grateful, but pharmacists have been no help so far in distinguishing lupus symptoms from drug side effects. My NP ignited to zero experience with lupus so I literally have no support medically. I’m paying for an ND who is treating symptoms relatively successfully so far.
You’re message is very encouraging because you found the hydroxychloroquine helpful and you say you’ve lived successfully decades managing the disease and drugs. Rather that just SURVIVING.
Since I’ve always been a vet outdoorsy person, lupus has suddenly changed my lifestyle, which is horribly difficult but certainly much less than others have to deal with.
I came on this forum hoping to hear answers related to which are lupus symptoms and which are drug side effects because no medical person here will find those answers for me.
I’ll pose the questions in a different message.
For now, I just wanted you to know that your message encouraged me. May your life continue long and happy!