I am newly diagnosed with arthritas. I also have hep c and hypo-thyroidism. My rheumy didn't actually say rheumatoid but my bone scan showed moderate symmetric activity in all joints of my fingers and hands as well as my knees and elbows. With some degenerative activity. Findings are suspicious for an early infalmmatory arthropathy that may be do to rheumatoid arthritas. I started Plaquanil 7 weeks ago and after 3 weeks felt better than I had in years then all of a sudden bam I feel like I've been hit by a truck, like I did before the plaquanil. Fatigue nasuea and increase in pain. Are these flare ups, if that is what it is, common and do they keep occurring. any info. would be appreciated.

Yes, that's a flare. You should call your rheumatologist. He can give you something to help you - like Prednisone. I had a couple of flares after I started the Plaquenil too. It will take several months before it reaches full effect. If you keep having flares, you doctor will likely add another medication to the Plaquenil or change your medication.

Hang in there!

Flares happen for time to time. My rheumatologist saves prednisone for such times. When it's really bad, he will give me a shot of systemic cortisone for immediate relief. Do let your rheumatologist know what is going on. He can't help if you don't tell, although I am not good about following my own advise. :rolleyes:

Consider Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins. Try also adding a good glucosamine product, w/o the chondritin. A recent study suggested 1,500 mg of glucosamine to be beneficial. Other great ingredients/herbs include: Chinese skullcap, Boswellia gum resin, and Oleanolic acid.

Cheers