Colchicine and Corona virus

[MsHopee]

Sorry everyone, I know this is a question fostered by the panic the corona virus is causing. At the moment I am taking colchine for my recurrent myocarditis. The inflammation has lasted almost ten months and is still causing pain. I am concern my inmune system is weak due to the colchicine. I wonder what can I do to improve my inmune response. I am very concern as it was a virus what caused the myocarditis in the first place and I do not know the effect this virus can have on my heart. At the moment I work from home, however my son goes to nursery and my husband is a teacher. So they can be easily infected.

[Sunnie2day]

Hiya, MsHoppe! The best person to ask your questions is going to be the medical professional directing your myocarditis treatment - he/she/they will know where you are physically, how you can boost your immune system and how you are tolerating the Colchicine. The medically trained professionals are the only people who can give you reliable, responsible advice, especially now. We here on the forum are not medically trained so the best we can do is share our personal experiences and perhaps some coping strategies as well.

From what I'm reading about this novel coronavirus, people with underlying conditions usually have weakened immune systems and are susceptible to potentially developing complications if the virus is contracted.

NHS and BHF have published guidance and fact-sheets (on their websites, use the search feature on both sites to bring up links to the guidance).

I have multiple heart conditions including Rheumatic Heart Syndrome and recurrent pericarditis. Colchicine is the No1 medicine for an acute pericarditis flare but I am 'intolerant to Colchicine' (I got every side effect listed and a few that weren't) so I can't speak to that part of your questions.

Owing to my conditions I've long practised the strict hygiene currently recommended for those of us with 'pre-existing/underlying conditions' that may predispose us to complications and am now using 'social distancing' (avoiding crowds and places like public transport and supermarkets, keeping arms length from people I pass on my twice daily exercise walks, not shaking hands or hugging, etc). I carry 70% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle when out and about, and use it to disinfect trolley grips, door handles, handrails, etc, and my hands. As soon as I return home I go straight to the hand wash basin and wash my hands and wrists for a full 30 seconds (three times slowly through the Happy Birthday song. God Save The Queen is also a good timer).

Considering you live with people who are especially 'socially active' and exposed to several potential infection sources on a daily basis, it's probably time for the house to establish a strict routine - removing shoes and outerwear at the door and placed into a press you absolutely do not go near, then going to the hand wash basin for a thorough hands and wrists washing. Door handles and remote control units should be disinfected several times per day.

We'll all get through this if we 'Keep Clean and Carry On' (sorry, I couldn't resist that, lol!).

[MsHopee in reply to Sunnie2day]

Hi thanks for the advice, I will try to get the 70% isopropyl alcohol. Unfortunately I am making the question here because when I contact my GP practice I am advised to contact 111. And I can not reach any one in the cardiology department at my local hospital because there they refer me to the GP. It is very unsettling not being able to contact a medical profesional.

[Sunnie2day in reply to MsHopee]

Have you tried to contact 111? I'm hearing a mixed bag about how they're doing - some say wow good and some say they're being given contradictory advice. I'd at least give them a go to see if it helps at all.

[Schora1]

The key thing is to ensure your hands are washed thoroughly all the time.

Like you I have to be very careful as I am immunosuppressed and have chronic recurrentpericarditis/pericardial effusions.

Should you become unwell call 111 and always explain your underlying health condition.

Unfortunately we are more susceptible.