Rheumatoid Arthritis
"I was diagnosed with sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis in 1998. Plaquenil quickly helped the swelling and pain in my hands, wrists, and elbows. After 4 years, a new doctor questioned whether I really had RA, and she took me off Plaquenil. Less than two years later, my hands seemed to freeze up, and I actually wore splints because of the pain. A new rheumatologist quickly put me back on Plaquenil. I have my eyes checked by a retina specialist twice a year. My only pain now is osteoarthritis in my knees and back, and I exercise and take occasional anti-inflammatories for that. I am grateful to Plaquenil when I remember how bad my pain and the swelling were before Plaquenil."