Hi guys
Screening for TNF treatment one of my tests came back as positive for Latent TB ,has anyone had similar experience and what happens now? I have no clue as to what the procedure is because of this:...... Any information would be greatly appreciated
I haven't had experience of this but I know people who have. What usually happens is that they give you treatment for the latent TB to make sure it doesn't develop. That will delay you starting the antitnf, but not for that long.
This happened to me when they were screening me for a research project. I can't remember how long but I was on 2 strong antibiotics. Also had to have chest X-rays at beginning and end. Wasn't able to go on the research programme but have now been on a biologic since last July. They put me on Abatacept infusions as apparently that is the most appropriate for people who have had a positive result. Hope you soon get to see someone who will explain it fully for you.
Hi Pedz
I have been on meds for two weeks now for latent Tb the treatment lasts for three months (in my case) before I can start bio the only side effects I seem to have noticed are I feel very tired during the day and my water has turned orange (would be OK if I support the Dutch in the euros) that so far are the only things I have noticed.
All the best
Hi,
The same happened to me two years ago, RA treatment was halted until TB treatment was completed i.e three months,, after which I recommenced my RA care. Was advised that there would be no more treatment required.
Hi Pedz I was in a similar position in January my routine blood test before starting Biologics came back as a positive TB spot. To say I wanted to throw myself out of the window is an understatement, but I did'nt. I was so fed up as I was desperate to start biologics .
The procedure, I am assuming it was your Rheumy Team who wanted the blood test as it was for me, they then referred me to the chest clinic. The appointment took about two months to come through, I then saw a lovely consultant who explained everything in detail I had probably had latent TB for years {as many people do} I was nor infectious and I needed to take antibiotics for 3months. As the biologics could risk turning it into positive TB. I started on Rifnah the next day, easy to take half an hour before breakfast every morning . No side effects except body fluids are bright orange. And on Rifnah you cannot eat cheese tuna or drink red wIne.
Biologics can be started 3 weeks after treatment.
Best Wishes
Smithfield.
Hi Pedz,
I was also positive for latent TB prior to switching onto my second anti TNF treatment.
As a rule they don't like to give you anti TNF meds until the Treatment for latent TB has finished. I am in to my third month of six months of antibiotic tablets. I tried the duel, three month meds but could not tolerate them. I was quite poorly with a flare, however I managed three weeks of the dual treatment which the TB nurse specialist was pleased with, as the longer treatment will be more successful. Weekly blood tests are taken to start with , mainly to make sure you liver function is coping. They do monitor you very closely and look at all the medication you may be on. My Rheumatologist worked in sync with the TB nurse specialist.
It is amazing how many people pick up the TB bacteria and do not progress to the active disease. Being on meds that compromise your ability to recover from active TB would not be good. The thought of having active TB is quite scarey in its self. I have had no problems with the six month treatment. You do tend to think "what else is life going to throw at me next".
If you find your RA is not well controlled, do get in touch with your Rheumatology nurse specialist as they can help. I had to increase my Prednisolne meds for a short time to cope with my flare. I hope all goes well with your treatment and you start your Anti TNF meds soon. Let us know how you get on.
By the way, rightly or wrongly, I have kept my latent TB condition low key as a lot of people may make more of the condition, thinking that it is contagious, which it isn't. Good luck, hope you stay as well as you can be.
Totally agree with your last statement pink.....I felt like wearing a bell and shouting unclean unclean when I was first diagnosed.I only told family and even then there was some panic especially from the young mothers.
It has settled down now thank goodness.
Hey guys thank you so much for the comforting words it means a lot truly it does. And yeah what's next ? Seems there is always something I have to deal with these days, work are being so unhelpful I have been on the sick for over 3 months now and they won't let me return but also won't give me medical retirement just left in limbo......
thanks for the insight the more I hear the less daunting it's seems 
What supplements do you use.............
Good and bad news
Aggressive Targeted B cell Approach to RA
