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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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I Began Tx For Connective Tissue Disease (plaquenil 200mg 2bid).

I began tx for connective tissue disease (plaquenil 200mg 2bid). Experienced some strange side affects e.g. crawling skin, dizziness, headache, abdominal tightness) so about 3 days into tx I started taking benadryl to help with crazy itchy skin, mild neck rash. About 4 weeks on, and having to take benadryl every 4 hours I got a terrible left side temporal headache with left face numbness and left eye vision issue. Saw the doctor who suggested I reduce the dose to 1 time a day, he did some neuro exam and said to try increasing the dose bak to prescribed in 4 days. Some relief from the headache withholding the second dose and had no significant trouble once I increased the dose as directed. 5 days later when I awoke in the a.m. my face, neck, back of neck, hands, lower legs and experienced severe vomiting after each dose. Called the doc and thought I was having a reaction to the meds. They got me in the next day, my rash was even more pronounced, but the doctor was shocked by my presentation. He told me it easy not a reaction to the plaquenil and that until I saw a dermatologist he would stop all treatment. I saw the dermatologist the next day...I guess it was a big enough deal that the whole office came in to take pictures and all believed that this is not a reaction to plaquenil but Dermatomyositis. They took a biopsy from one large lesion on my clavicle. In addition I have a swollen lymph nodes which is sore (left side base of skull).. I know that the biopsy with determine lupus or dermatomyositis, but also have a pituitary adenoma. Is there a medical connection to these, should I be concerned about cancer (dermatology was clear to explain the reality that malignancy is a real possibility). I am a 47yr old female 7 days since any plaquenil, rash has lightened but remain very irritated. What should I expect
posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017
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