For a long time I believed that a harsh virus that lasted "for -EVER" ( Christmas 2014 ), was "when" and possibly "why" my pain and "flat-out- fatigue" began. It took over 2 years to get it diagnosed, but I always looked back on that virus as the starting point. Jillian, didn't you say it was during a virus when your pain stopped? Anyone else make any connection between RA and a virus? Just curious.
Could a virus be "involved" in your RA?: For a long... - NRAS
Could a virus be "involved" in your RA?
Written by
8080
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
42 Replies
•
There does seem to be a connection.
emedicine.medscape.com/arti...
Viral arthrtis and RA seem to be two different variation. As the article states:
In general, viral arthritis is mild and requires only symptomatic treatment with analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or, occasionally, low-dose prednisone). In some cases, antiviral treatment is available for the underlying systemic disease.
Even though, there are a few other studies I've come across that are looking into a connection with RA as well.
Interestingly, I've never had a viral infection while my sister had the mumps and also had mono (Epstein Barr) and she does not have an auto immune disease. Go figure...
• in reply toSimba1992
I wonder how many people get diagnosed with RA, when it actually is something else?....just curious, I don't mean to imply that it's very common.
Simba1992• in reply to
Yes I have been wondering that myself too.I am quite sure that there are a number of people who have been diagnosed with RA who in fact have had thyroid dysfunction and chronic estrogen-progesterone imbalance or reactive arthritis, PMR among others and have been put on agressive RA medication before the diagnosis is clear. I also have been wondering if premature use of hard meds in fact triggers the outbreak of RA in cases like these. All kinds of theories comes to your mind when there seems to be so many unknowns in this illness🤔
• in reply toSimba1992
I'm wondering because in 2014 I was diagnoseed seropositive RA. 2016 it changed to seronegative RA and as of March this year my diagnose is unspecified inflammatory polyarthritis. These diagnosis are allin the same family, but I can't help wonder why my diagnose keeps changing.
Simba1992• in reply to
I would wonder too🤔 Have you been examined by a good end?
I meant endo😊
• in reply toSimba1992
I've never had anyone look at my thyroid. I just assumed thyroid problems would have been picked up on a blood test. Something for me to investagate.
Simba1992• in reply to
Hello susannedale,
You might find this reading useful. A good place to starr.
precisionnutrition.com/thyr...
• in reply toSimba1992
Thank you so much for information Simba.
Lucy11• in reply to
Indeed. I have often wondered why we don't have more subtypes/variations defined for RA as they do for MS. Sero positive and sero negative distinction isn't even straight forward. Some doctors say sero positive is categorized as RF+ and not anti CCP+ while my doctor and doctors at the Mayo Clinic say that anti CCP+ or RF+ is sero positive. Often patients are told that anti CCP is only for diagnosis and isn't important after that and still others, like myself are told it matters a lot.
MS subtypes arose from the need to have a common language to describe and label the clinical course of MS. Defining the terms used to describe subtypes were important not only to physicians trying to describe what was happening to their patients, but also to researchers. In clinical trials, the more homogeneous the study population, the fewer patients are needed to demonstrate the benefits of a medication.
In my mind, finding a way to better distinguish between variations of RA will go a long way in treatment and making arguments pro or against certain treatments obsolete. As in why diet works for some and not others as well as possibly understanding which medication works better for each sub group. Whether or not this is possible is beyond me and although there would most certainly be outliers for each it would definitely be a step forward.
Richgirl• in reply to
Hello Suzannedale, I was wondering is you or anyone has seen Dr Brooke Goldner MD videos. I found her on Facebook. But maybe she can also be googled on the net. It sounds wonderful. But I wanted to be able to ask other people what they thought. Hope my note finds you well & still healing from your dental stuff.🌻
I had shingles a couple of months before my symptoms started, however I had an accident 18 months before and I had a lot of stress following this regarding work so not sure what may have been the trigger for me.
They don't really know why RA happens but from what understand an infection stress etc may be a trigger
Yes, my RA presented immediately after a bout of viral tracheitis.
There is a significant link between virus and onset of several autoimmune diseases. There is a genetic link but less than 50% is attributed to that. They suspect a hormonal role as there are two women for every male affected then virus is the third known variable. What many people fail to understand is the immune system does not shut down it kicks into overdrive by attacking healthy cells in your body. It stands to reason that once a difficult virus is defeated those T Cells and microphages just keep eating... hungry little devils..The DMARD's then suppress your entire immune system to stop the carnage. Biologics will target a specific function within the immune system rather than suppress completely. This is good because it reduces risks of infection. The problem is which part do they target. This is why doctors try different drugs to find what works for you. The cost also require they attempt to gain control of RD with DMARDs first. But there is ample data on the role of virus as a trigger to onset.
I first had sore joints over 20 years ago, bloods showed Rheumatoid factor but the GP just told me to go away and "live my life". Well, if stress, infections or viruses can be a trigger I wonder why it has hit me now when I had been at my healthiest, most settled and happy. It's a proper weird one this. Hugs
Jan
Most probably because you have gone around with a subclinical inflammatory condition for a long time and the effect of the inflammatory state on your body together with a trigger that you may not be aware of, like hormonal changes or thyroid dysfunction, may trigger the disease. I think we should always take joint symptoms seriously and as a sign that everything is not ok. The cause can be undiagnosed hypothyroidism and by correcting this you also stop the joint symptoms from progressing or it may be gluten or lactose sensitivity and so on.
• in reply toGnarli
So you've had RA for over 20 years and your doctor told you to live your life? Did your RA disappear and come back later in your life?
Gnarli• in reply to
Some joint issues over the years which came and went. It's here big time now though. I feel I dodged a bullet all that time but now it's caught me. Aren't I the lucky one that it didn't really hit until now?
I'm sure my RA was triggered be the one and only flu vaccination I had. It was the H1N1 vaccine and it quickly affected my vision with terrible migraines, nausea and generally feeling ill. This passed after about 3 weeks but after that the joint problems started, and I was diagnosed with séronégative RA. I think it sent my possibly already stressed immune system into overdrive.
I too connect the onset of my sudden RA symptoms with my first ever flu jab in Oct 2015. I had no reaction immediately unlike you but 6 weeks later severe pain, swelling etc in most joints and in Feb 2016 diagnosed with seropositive RD. Mind you I did have X rays taken at that time which showed some OA , suggesting that the disease may have been 'hanging around ' for some time. I have asked various medical professionals about a connection and the general consensus seemed to be that had I not had the jab and caught flu that would probably have triggered it anyway! Some dismissed it out of hand or said it would have come on sooner after the jab. There is, however, some anecdotal evidence on the web to connect the two.
Having said that, my disease is well controlled with DMARDS atm so I did have the flu jab again this winter - no reaction at all.
Interestingly, I have just found a great Endo! ( they are scarce around here ) He has ordered an ultrasound of my thyroid and kidney this coming Wednesday, and a parathyroid scan next week. I am "giving off" ( ? Whatever you call it ) very high parathyroid hormones, and was told 2 years ago that I probably have 1 or 2 parathyroid tumors ( by a famous heart doc. who takes 20 vials of blood and tests them, and explains the results, but does not give a referral, or any solution to the problems! ) but I haven't been able to validate it til now. I also had high inflammation at that time. I didn't have the virus until a couple months later. This is all so weird. My old GP washed her hands of me, said I didn't have the rheumatoid factor and I should go "cure myself", which is what I've been trying to do but was in too much pain for most of that time to even find a new GP and rheumatologist, let alone go in for an office visit. So that's why it is only the last 7 month's that I've been helped by the MTX and feeling better. Wow, I am rambling.....thank you all for the articles and information I need to read the whole viral article again tomorrow- don't have any idea if it even pertains to me or how I would prove any connection anyway. I've never had any of those major viruses ( that I know of ) but I know that inflammation has been lurking for years. Yikes- I need to go to sleep and get a fresh perspective tomorrow...love you all!
Chris
P.S. sorry this is all about me.
There definitely is a connection between vaccination and AI! Here something to read.
cmsri.org/wp-content/upload...
Excellent find, Simba1992! 👍 (Thank you kindly. 🙏 )
Your just noted article, "Predicting post-vaccination autoimmunity: Who might be at risk?" ( cmsri.org/wp-content/upload... ) overlaps with what Richard Matthews has postulated (below) & affirms Downtime & Bookworm55's suspicions (above) that their flu jabs/ vaccinations may have inadvertently triggered their already compromised immune systems. 👍
[Copy & pasted ABSTRACT* of article below for convenience.]
.
______
Richard Matthews (RM), at roughly minute 39, may have a plausible explanation as to how an injection possibly 'triggers' RA: paddisonprogram.com/how-gut... by adding in the additional layer of the gut microbiome (the seat of the immune system) into the mix.)
Flu jabs/ vaccinations may 'push' an already compromised immune system to its 'tipping point' — toppling it into an autoimmune reaction — the manifestation of RA. (?)
.
______
To my layman's ears, RM's explanation/ theory (elegantly simple & direct) sounds highly plausible as to why/ how autoimmune reactions can manifest after a seemingly innocuous inoculation! 😳 🙃 It has a 'ring of truth' about it. 🤔
Make of it what you will. 🙏
[It seems the article's authors (Soriano A, Nesher G, Shoenfeld Y) & RM have (separately) hit upon equally significant (plausible) contributory 'triggers'. 👍 ]
.
______
Oh, ditto for trauma (Trauma: healthunlocked.com/nras/pos... ), stress, etc. triggering autoimmune response. (An already compromised immune system being 'tipped' into RA via traumatic bodily event or severe psychological strain.)
.
Brief, connect-the-dots (layman's) synopsis of Richard Matthews' audio excerpt: Overlapping experiences -- inadvertently creating dysbiosis by overprescribing antibiotics. Same root cause -- imbalance in populations of gut bacteria (dysbiosis), which disrupts the immune system, which takes instructions from the bacteria. An immune system receiving aberrant instructions may not manifest illness until it's challenged by infection, vaccines. An unhealthy immune system may not manifest until it's tested/ challenged. Faulty immune system causes RA. Children adversely reacting to vaccines may be unwittingly revealing a pre-existing dysfunctional immune system that only manifests when challenged by a vaccine. [Confusion between vaccine "directly causing" & "indirectly triggering" an autoimmune reaction in a child with an already-weakened immune system.] Dots connected?! 🤔 🤗
.
Sounds very logical. Thank you Kai👍🏻😊
If these various concepts/ ideas/ theories postulated [by R. Matthews & authors (Soriano A, Nesher G, Shoenfeld)] are accurate (even partially accurate), then an 'aid' in ameliorating our 'already faulty immune systems' is to take steps (within our means/ abilities) to reduce/ minimise/ eliminate/ avoid the multi-faceted elements that fuel the flames of inflammation & trigger us into full-blown, active disease state. 🤔
'Attempting' to repair/ heal our faulty immune system (as best as it can be repaired/ restored) seems the goal. 🤔
Perhaps perfection — complete recovery — can never be achieved. But any little bit of improvement towards healing is a blessed relief. 🙏 🤗
.
* Copy & pasted ABSTRACT of:
"Predicting post-vaccination autoimmunity: Who might be at risk?" ( cmsri.org/wp-content/upload... & ):
"Vaccinations have been used as an essential tool in the fight against infectious diseases, and succeeded in improving public health. However, adverse effects, including autoimmune conditions may occur following vaccinations (autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants--ASIA syndrome). It has been postulated that autoimmunity could be triggered or enhanced by the vaccine immunogen contents, as well as by adjuvants, which are used to increase the immune reaction to the immunogen. Fortunately, vaccination-related ASIA is uncommon. Yet, by defining individuals at risk we may further limit the number of individuals developing post-vaccination ASIA. In this perspective we defined four groups of individuals who might be susceptible to develop vaccination-induced ASIA: patients with prior post-vaccination autoimmune phenomena, patients with a medical history of autoimmunity, patients with a history of allergic reactions, and individuals who are prone to develop autoimmunity (having a family history of autoimmune diseases; asymptomatic carriers of autoantibodies; carrying certain genetic profiles, etc.)."
.
Another P.S.- Downtime- I had just had a flu shot before I got sick too!
Yes had a really bad virus,which in turn went into bronchitis, was given antibiotics, was soon after when I realised I could not only walk upstairs but down as well(was having to come down on my bum as couldn't bear putting weight on my feet for up to two hours first thing.) I am truly convinced that a) virus somehow stopped the rd b) it's very much stress related, I had a huge flare when Mother died, I always considered myself "one of the lucky ones" as the rd had only a smallish effect on my day to day life, was still able to walk a couple of hours most days, & crochet an hour or so.the only symptoms I have now is overwhelming tiredness by evening, then unable to sleep! Not sure if this will help, but I am feeling very positive at the moment.
Gillian
What is an endorsement please. I h e had RA for twenty years and have never heard of one.
Yes, I have. I am pretty certain a virus is connected. Nobody does any research to find out though.
I wonder too....I got really quite I'll in January 2016 with aches fatigue all over. GP was certain I had Ross river virus. Over.several months And numerous blood tests all came back negative. More months finally diagnosed with RA...still no RF in my blood. Soon after that showed up antibodies to parvo virus....wonder if that was my trigger in the January.
Dr. Thomas Campbell touches on Infection as being 1 of "several intertwined factors that may affect risk of autoimmune disease". (His article is here: healthunlocked.com/nras/pos... (9th & 10th reply down) if it interests you, 8080. 🤔 )
.
_____
Brief excerpt:
". . . Several autoimmune diseases have been linked to specific infections. Sometimes, it seems that chronic infection and inflammation from a viral or bacterial invader can actually precipitate immune system confusion at some point, triggering the start of the autoimmune process6. People who have been exposed to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which causes mono, have a higher rate of multiple sclerosis[7] [7]. Those who have been infected with EBV in adolescence or later in life have a 30 times higher risk of multiple sclerosis compared to those who have never had Epstein Barr Virus[7]. . . ."
.
It reaffirms fellow sufferers observations/ inferences just noted here in your post, 8080. 👍
[To view TC's tables, figures, references in his source article, 'Autoimmune Disease: Genes, Infection, Environment & Gut', see: nutritionstudies.org/autoim... ]
.
_____
Hope this contributes to putting together pieces of the puzzle. 🙏 🌺 🍀 🌞
.
Connecting the dots:
⚫️ <—> ⚫️ <—> ⚫️ <—> 🤔 <—> 🤔
of thoughts . . .
.
• in reply toKai--
Very interesting to read. Thanks for the information
Wow! Kai, Janitae...looks like it's a possibility that a viral (or other ) infection might be a trigger! Maybe you, Kai, ( since you are A#1 researcher ) should make up a questionnaire, and we all fill it out, and maybe we could make some headway in a cure for this miserable disease. Or AT LEAST some warning signs, so we are not all blindsided by RA?
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Virus causing RA?
I am new here just trying to get some answers - Has anyone just recently got the symptoms of RA -...
Could I have RA?
Hello everybody!
I hope this is the right place to post. I feel bad as I see many of you are...
Could this be ra
Hi all
I had an ex.ray on my hands 2yrs ago as I was in a lot of pain knuckle swollen ect the....
could this be RA? rheumy says no
I am a 32 year old female. After an especially strenuous yoga class two weeks ago (which involved a...
HPV virus and cell changes with RA
Hi, just wondered if anyone has any experience of this-
I recently had a colposcopy after a smear...
RA in sacroiliac joint?
Could it be RA not Fibromyalgia!? 
What triggered your RA?
Can RA effect your ribs?? 
Seronegative RA in remission
