Rotten cold. Feeling groggy.

[Treza42]

Hi all, it's me again. Just need a little advice . You all seem to help.last time I asked. So I thought I would try again. I have caught a rotten cold. And being as I am.on leflunomide and hyrochloxcloroquine for arthritis and blood pressure tabs as well as watching my cholesterol

I worry about what you can take. A friend recently mentioned a vitamin supplement called echinacea. But I just read about it and it's meant to help the immune system. Ra is an auto.immune disease so could this new vitamin supplement make my arthritis worse???

Also asked for a referral to podiatrist being as my feet and heels are playing me up. My rhuemy nurse contacted one who sent me a letter saying I am not in there area so they won't take me. So what do I do next????

Thanks if anyone can help. Do you all take any vitamin supplements if so which ones help. Thanks again. I look forward to a reply. Xx

[Hidden]

Hope you feel better soon. I've been told to avoid echinacea as it will boost your immune system. I've also had a lovely cold and feel very achy as a result - as well as fatigued. I have tried to ease symptoms with lots of warm drinks, paracetamol when necessary and a sea salt spray to clear my sinuses. I also used manuka honey. Not sure if it helped but it tasted nice...

[Treza42 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Sound advice I think. I have tried go ogling it

[Treza42 in reply to Treza42]

Sent it before finishing. I found out the same via Google. Just hoping on finding some alternative remedies to help as this cold has knocked me for 6. Oh yeah I love a green tea with fresh lemon and manuka honey yummy. Thanks for your advice xx

[nomoreheels]

Oh colds. I find them harder to get over when I have them now so avoid people coughing & sneezing but you're lucky if you get away scot-free. Echinacea is fine to try for people who don't have an autoimmune disease but as they are intended to boost the immune system & we're doing all we can do dampen down our overactive immune systems they're not for us I'm afraid. Any supplements should really be discussed with your Rheumy, even if there's reliable evidence & testing to show they work for people with autoimmune problems. Some can interact with the meds we take & aren't recommended to use alongside traditional meds.

I tend to reach for the honey (Manuka if poss) & make up a warming drink with fresh lemon in too. Paracetamol if your GP or Pharmacist agrees as consideration has to be paid to the meds you take & wrap up snuggly & warm until the worst is over.

Hope it's a quick one & doesn't hang around but if it settles on your chest do see your GP, antibiotics may be needed.

I think 're the Podietrist your Rheumy nurse should be seeking out one who does cover your area. If you have no joy ask your GP, your feet should have attention if they're problematic & treatment or a review of your meds to prevent any permanent damage. Too little attention is paid to feet by some Rheumys & they've to serve you well so do push for an appointment, better to be safe than sorry even if it means being a little proactive. Many of us have suffered with our feet due to not being referred to Podietry early enough.

All the best.

[Treza42 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks so very much. Great advice. Xx

[popsmith1874 in reply to Treza42]

Hope your cold clears up , I know how y feel and I takes an age to clear up,also you mention your feet ,I'm having terrible problems with my feet at the moment and I think a trip to the go is needed

[allanah]

Feel better soon ! Warm fire , blankie and chick flick ... Way to go!