Feeling rough as hell after contracting a cold/flue, already have APS.

[Tomcat]

I came down with either a really bad cold or flue earlier in the week, for the first few days I was really ill, having at least 3-4 TIA's a day with constant headache lethargy etc. I did what I always used to do which was to bump up the amount of steroids I'm taking to get my symptoms down (also upped the aspirin a little too), after three days the APS has settled down and I'm now left with just the cold/flue symptoms, Once I know the cold is on the mend I will begin to drop the steroids back down again.

As I'm not currently being seen by a specialist any more I just wondered what everyone else does if they get a virus/cold?, I'm not certain but I think one of my specialists a while back (can't be certain as I can't remember that well) said that I shouldn't increase the steroids but I should just increase the aspirin instead.

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, I am not quite sure about this. All I know is that when ill, which is currently the situation, (I never get the bug properly, just a horrid reaction) ie migraine, sore joints and a flare up of skin and itchy eyes), been looking after my young daughter who has had a similar bug, she is on aspirin and plaquenil... she has definitely been a lot worse with the lupusy hughes type symptoms. It sounds as if you have got the hang of things though...If you have no specialist care... is the GP clued up? I hope so. Sending you get better wishes. Mary F x

[Renae]

Tomcat, If you are having 3-4 tia's aday why didn't you go to the hospital? My neuro says that tia's usually happen in large amounts right before a stroke. Please becareful, and if you aren't feeling better go to the doc.

Hugs,

[Annslack]

I agree with Renae any TIA symptoms need to be investigated for the reasons she's mentioned. It is very good that it has settled down and the asoirin increase has probably helped. I wonder if aspirin is all you are taking for APS. These symptoms. May have been caused by something else but if it is TIA you may beed to go on to stronger anticoagulants to give you more protection. If you get these symptoms again it is advisable to go straight to hospital. There is a new campaign which is educating both doctors and the public on the importance of prompt response to these symptoms. These are important symptoms even though it can be easy to think things are ok when it passes off fairly quickly I would love to be able to give more reassuring advice but this is something you do need to get medical advice on. Without delay. Hope you continue to feel better and get a good thorough check up. Best wishes Ann

[kathyD64]

Hi tomcat hope you are feeling better now. I agree with whats been said with my tia symptoms I now take aspirin and warfarin with an inr aim of 3.5 -4. You need to be under a neurologist & referred to a tia clinic as mentioned there is a drive to see patients very quickly. I was referred to tia clinic by my gp they got to see you within 5 days. I went to a&e tho before app like mentioned also a&e have protocols in place & certain procedures eg they must do bloods for cholesterol full blood counts and perform a heart trace ecg. Keep us posted how you are Kathy x