Question:
any one have rheumatoid arthritis and had wls and take hydroxychloroquine?

   — pamela S. (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I don't have RA, but I do have Lupus and I take Plaquenil for it twice a day. My Doctors (surgeon, rheumatologist and general) all agreed that taking it is no problem. The pills are nice and small so I have had no problem getting them down. I went back on them about 1 week after surgery. The bigger issue for me was giving up NSAIDS. I was on 800mg. of Motrin 4 times a day for pain. I took a leap of faith having WLS, thinking that getting off the extra weight would decrease the arthritis pain. I had surgery on 9/11 and have lost 98 lbs., with about 55 more to go. It has helped considerably with the joint pain in the weight bearing joints. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the Motrin! However, all in all, I think having WLS was the best decision for me. Your post doesn't say if you are pre or post op. Everyone has to weigh the consequences and decide if surgery is best for them. Those of us with a chronic medical condition have a few more factors to consider and need to take our time and be very well informed about every aspect involved before we make our final choice.
   — Bobbie B.