Hopeful in 2010

In one of my previous post I talked about how when you have a sickness you take medication and once the symotoms go away you stop the meds right?

Well since my plaquenil medication was helping I thought I could stop now. Although it does not operate as a pain killer, RA- the disease itself operates like cancer in the way that is can go into remission and become inactive for a duration of time. I was (and still am) HOPEFUL that it would do just that! So every time I would begin feeling better I thought perhaps I was going into remission and I didn't need to depend on meds. I would tell my doctor and he told me that instead of taking 200 mg a day go down to 150. Yay!

However when I cut down on my meds I would always end up back in the doctors office before my next follow up due to disability/chronic pain. Usually begging to be injected with cortisone. :/

April 14 2010 was one of these appointments. Doctor noted:  " she is having more pain again, primarily in her left ankle, left knee and second MCP joint. She has been to the eye clinic. She has had hair loss and occasional rashes. There is slight tenderness and swelling over the left ankle. Perhaps a little swelling in the medical malleolar area. ASSESSMENT: Rheumatoid arthritis, flaring 2. no signs of medication toxicity
PLAN: I told her to go ahead and increase her plaquenil back to 200 mg, she seems to flare everytime we reduce the dose. Further evaluation is warranted although I will limit this to x-rays of her left knee, hands, and left ankle. Follow-up will be in 3 mos time. Certainly, if there are any erosions developing on her x-rays methotrexate will be considered. "

In January 2011 was the last time I saw my ORIGINAL rheumatologist. I received another cortisone shot that day and he retired a little later that year. My medical group took a while to hire on a new rheumatologist so during this time I was in a lot of pain, I couldn't get my prescription renewed because there was no one to approve it. I had to go out of network to Loma Linda university to see a rheumatologist there so that he could proscribe me my medication. This appointment was HORRIBLE, I saw a student doctor for most of my appointment and this was the one who told me that I DIDN'T have RA. Yes, he had the audacity to tell me I didn't have a disease that I was DIGANOSED with, and showed in my records and bloodwork. I was currently suffering from it a great deal which is why I was in his office. I couldn't believe what I was hearing from this intern doctor.  He also told me that I has psoriasis. I left that day with no prescription filled, loss of $30 co-pay and time wasted. :(