Thursday, December 28, 2006
Changes for the New Year
In June I started on Placquenil (or however it is spelled). The worse side effect of this drug is blindness. So, I have to have my eyes checked every 6 months which I did in June (for a base line) and then again in December. The eye doctor said there are 3 things they check for with Placquenil users – color blindness, peripheral vision, and they can actually see the buildup on the retina.
My check up in December was terrible. I failed the color blindness test miserably. The eye doctor asked me to come back in a couple of days to retake the test, everything else was about the same. In the meantime I called my Rheumatologist and told her the latest. Her response was to quit the Placquenil immediately, which I did. I was back to the eye doctor 3 days later; where I had a much improved color blindness test (still did not pass). He recommended I not continue on the Placquenil – so I am off that drug.
When I go in to see my Rheumatologist after the first of the year we will be looking at other options. I have no idea what options we will consider, but will cross that bridge when I get to it. In the meantime, life goes on – sometimes with pain and less energy but it goes on. I plan on enjoying every moment of it. Happy New Year.
Elaine H.
In June I started on Placquenil (or however it is spelled). The worse side effect of this drug is blindness. So, I have to have my eyes checked every 6 months which I did in June (for a base line) and then again in December. The eye doctor said there are 3 things they check for with Placquenil users – color blindness, peripheral vision, and they can actually see the buildup on the retina.
My check up in December was terrible. I failed the color blindness test miserably. The eye doctor asked me to come back in a couple of days to retake the test, everything else was about the same. In the meantime I called my Rheumatologist and told her the latest. Her response was to quit the Placquenil immediately, which I did. I was back to the eye doctor 3 days later; where I had a much improved color blindness test (still did not pass). He recommended I not continue on the Placquenil – so I am off that drug.
When I go in to see my Rheumatologist after the first of the year we will be looking at other options. I have no idea what options we will consider, but will cross that bridge when I get to it. In the meantime, life goes on – sometimes with pain and less energy but it goes on. I plan on enjoying every moment of it. Happy New Year.
Elaine H.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
My RA is quiet these days. The cold weather does seem to affect me. I notice more joints are sore in particular my hands. Of course, I look like a really old woman getting out of the car on cold days after an hour commute to or from work. However, given all things my RA is manageable.
I feel like a burden to my husband. He tries so very hard to help me but doing the heavy lifting and carrying. He has started pushing me to get more rest, which does help make me feel better but I feel like I have to be cared for rather than living.
Elaine H.
I feel like a burden to my husband. He tries so very hard to help me but doing the heavy lifting and carrying. He has started pushing me to get more rest, which does help make me feel better but I feel like I have to be cared for rather than living.
Elaine H.
