Upper resp infection

[jennyall12]

I was sick a few weeks with post nasal drip / tired and then Boom got really sick last Friday - chills etc. It was horrible. I got some antibiotics and a round of steroids because the doc said I have an upper resp infection and sinusitis. Anyone had this and had to get treated? When did you feel better? Ugh no bueno : (

[webar4780]

Bless you.

I had 4 lots (one each month), last winter! Also included ear, and throat infections. Awful. Back to back antibiotics. (I had just started hydroxychloriquine, after the four months, I gave up on that!).

I felt enough was enough, deciding that as an immunosuppressive drug, hydroxychloriquine was doing me no favours wiping out any defense I may otherwise, have had. So, I ditched that drug and bought vitamin c. I do not go a day without vit c now. I did suffer a UTI a few weeks ago, and had to have antibiotics, but I try to support my immune system through diet, vit c, water, plenty of sleep.

Good luck, it is nasty. Get well soon.

I will just add, many people do really well on hydroxychloriquine. I didn't feel it was right for me, at that time.

Take care. Lots of rest and self love. X

[jennyall12 in reply to webar4780]

Thanks. Do you have low white blood cells and did your lupus symptoms come back once off hydroq?

[webar4780 in reply to jennyall12]

Hi jennyall12

I have confirmed diagnosis of CTD, and Sjogrens syndrome, query lupus. I believe symptoms do overlap with similarities.

The hospital specialist nurse phoned me, during my 4th month on hydroxychloriquine, to tell me she was sending a new blood form in the post, because my white blood cell and neutrophils were low.

At that time, I was taking my 4th lot of antibiotics, during the 4 months on hydroxychloriquine. I felt drained and unwell. I reasoned, hydroxychloriquine was suppressing my immune system, at the very time my body needed to build immunity defence. I googled hydroxychloriquine and realised how it can be detrimental to some people. I stopped taking it.

Yes, my stiff joints, aches, pains, fatigue, foggy brain, raynauds, gastro probe, etc continued. I felt the hydroxychloriquine helped reduce pain and possibly fatigue.

I manage skin rashes, with dermatologist products, and or avoiding triggers. I attend mindfulness class. I read a lot. I learn from HU members experiences.

I choose to take pain relief, only ever as really needed, and to listen closely to my body, mind, spiritual needs. I rest when I feel I need to.

My RO numbers have reduced over this last 9 months. (ANA still positive, ESR reduced). My diet is practically gluten free, I drink 2 litres water per day. I do not drink alcohol or smoke. I walk most days. I also add vitamin c and d to my diet.

I will add, I do suffer hypothyroidism, hashimotos. I am being advised here, and by Dr P, on nutritional aids for this.

I would never, say never, to hydroxychloriquine. I have some on standby. However, I go by how I am feeling, and listen to consultant rational. While my bloods are ok, or improving, and I am keeping infections to a minimum, I feel, the benefits of hydroxychloriquine, do not outweigh the risks.

Each of us, are unique. What works for one, is no guarantee, it will work for another.

Good luck. Be kind to yourself.