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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Newly Diagnosed Symptoms

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Poplar Bluff, MO

Good morning everyone. Yesterday was a bad flare day. I’m only about 6 days into my mrdications, Hydroxycloriquine 200mg twice a day, and Prednisone 10mg twice a day. I cannot stand or do chores for more than about 10 minutes at a time without having to sit immediately and recover before I can move to somewhere more comfortable to rest for a minute. My worst complaint is my body temperature. I’m so hot all the time. I feel like my entire body is giving off heat like a sunburn but when I had my… read more

March 10
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Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Have you recently gotten off an infusion med? I was experiencing serum sickness from my most recent infusion medicine and had to stop it. This was one of the symptoms like extreme fever and chills. I would make sure to have your rheumatologist do blood test to see if your inflammation markers are super high which I might assume they are because of the prednisone.

March 17
A myRAteam Member

Have you looked into POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)? RA is a systemic disease that alters many parts of the body. It's possible to develop additional conditions the longer you have RA (especially after flares). Keep track of your symptoms so you can report them to your doctor.

Hopefully it's a temporary state and not a new condition, or maybe you just need to switch meds around. I'm rooting for you!

March 16
myRAteam

Are these symptoms normal with RA, and will they go away?

What you're experiencing sounds incredibly frustrating, but yes, these symptoms can be part of RA flares. The flu-like feelings, temperature fluctuations, sweating, fatigue, and emotional sensitivity are all symptoms that myRAteam members have described during Show Full Answer

Are these symptoms normal with RA, and will they go away?

What you're experiencing sounds incredibly frustrating, but yes, these symptoms can be part of RA flares. The flu-like feelings, temperature fluctuations, sweating, fatigue, and emotional sensitivity are all symptoms that myRAteam members have described during flares.

The good news is that you're only 6 days into treatment. Hydroxychloroquine can take several weeks to months to reach its full effectiveness, so your body is still adjusting. Many people find their symptoms improve as medications start working.

About the temperature issues:

RA inflammation may affect how your brain regulates body temperature. Additionally, prednisone is notorious for causing hot flashes and excessive sweating as a side effect. A myRAteam member shared: "I got so hot and sweaty when I was on prednisone for a few months."

The night sweats and temperature swings you're experiencing are commonly reported with both RA flares and prednisone use.

What might help:

- Wear layers you can remove easily
- Try cool showers, especially before bed
- Drink cold beverages or eat ice pops
- Give yourself permission to rest frequently - your body needs it right now

Important: Please talk to your rheumatologist about these symptoms. They need to know how you're responding to treatment and can help determine if adjustments are needed or if additional support would help you feel better.

March 10

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