Hydroxy and eye tests?

caprica

Hi all,
My meds have been switched from Sulfa to Hydroxy as the sulfa made my white blood count drop. Rubbish!

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts/experiences with it as a solitary treatment (I know Toni has)?

I have heard it'll probably take ages to kick in but my arthritis is pretty mild so I can wait a bit..

The thing that worried me is that my doctor didn't mention getting an eye test and I've been reading that they're a must? Do I need to book one myself and do I ask my GP or the staff at the hospital?

ironic

Hi, I'm on 200 x2 Hydrox. No problems so far. It took about 15-16 weeks to kick in for me. I think most people find a difference long before that though.
I was due an eye test within a month of starting anyway so I just informed them of the meds so they could do the extra test as a base line. I will have to go every 12mths from now on just to check all is ok. So just make appt yourself you do not have to go via the Dr's.

Good luck and I hope it works soon for you.

Lv, Ix

caprica

Hi Ironic (alanis morrisette fan??)
thanks for your reply! I'll just book it myself then, I haven't actually been for an eye test for about 15 years, since I was in primary school. Eek. Probably long overdue one anyway!

15 weeks sounds like a long time but I'm sure it'll pass quickly, the less I think about it.

So how do you feel now that it's working for you? How did you know it had 'kicked in'?

valval

yes you need eye test every year even though my optision said not heard of having to have them checked every year for it. but gp and rhummy said have to get them checked lol

ironic

They usually start to work between 8 and 12 weeks. They say if they do not work by then something eles should be tried. But as luck would have it my appt was not til 16 weeks had passed and suddenly things started to improve Things are not perfect but I am now able to cope better. Prior to getting the meds I was floored two or three times a week. Not as tired now so thats good. It was a very long time between being ill and getting treatment so It stands to reason that the Hydro had some catching up to do.
I'm sure you will get results quicker than me.

Lv, Ix

page35

Hi
just wanted to add make sure you tell the optician that you are taking hydroxy cos they should look at the back of your eye to make sure you dont get a build up from the meds, though i think it is quite rare to happen and if it does it takes along time but just make sure you tell them.
i take hydroxy but i also take mxt and sulfa aswell.
good luck with it

caprica

Thanks!! I'lld efinitely mention that.

frogmorton

Hi caprica (good to see you )

My optician gave me a copy of teh amsler grid which is the eye test for whatever the hydroxy could cause.

I check mine quite regularly between appointments. No problems at all for me.

Hope you get on ok -

Love

Toni xx

suziev

hi

i go get my eyes checked every 6 months, it's worth just for my peace of mind, i also have a grid at home stuffed in the draw somewhere next to the takeaway menus
the drug took about 2 to 3 months with me and i have been doing very well on it, last time i saw rhemy he said reduce amount but when i did i just felt awful making me realize how much the meds do work!
good luck suzie x

fayrose

Uum, yes do get it checked. I was prescribed this along with other stuff. I read the warnings and asked ...several times ... on the basis I have macular disease and once that was realised I was taken off it pronto.
Get eyes checked regularly and most certainly tell your rheumatologist if you have ANY EYE PROBLEMS at all.

caprica

Thanks i'll definitely ask for the chart to keep at home!

I dont have any eye problems so hopefully all should be well and in 2-3 months time I'll be feeling like a little spring chicken... haha. Hmm... or something like that anyway!

wibberley

Hi Caprica,

Just wanted to say good luck with the Hydroxy. I remember how disappointed you were at having to stop the sulpha, but am sure you will have good results with this new med. My cousin takes it and it has worked well for her.

Lois x

caprica

Aw thanks wibberley!!
I was disappointed to lose those 2 months and go back to square one, but hopefully now we'll get somewhere. Was your cousin's Ra quite mild anyway before she went on the hydroxy? Hope you're keeping well!