This virus is kickin my butt! Should I skip my biologics for a few days to allow my immune to kick it's ass?

[Deminem]

Help I can't breathe over here.

Once I start coughing my airway gets blocked. I have inflamed lungs and tonsils that are near blocking anything coming in or going down. I caught it from the Doc surgery no less. Had it since Sunday and it's just ramping up. Can't sleep, swallow much or function. Haven't had a virus in years so not sure what move to play.

Any advice or tips would be golden.

Thanks guys

D

[PinkLamb]

Hi Deminem,

Sorry to hear that you have picked up something very nasty from your GP surgery!!

My advice to you would be to contact your rheumy team for some advice, they will be able to help you out, and in the meantime drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated...

Hope that you feel better soon

X

[KittyJ]

I would see your GP if your lungs are inflamed and your tonsils are blocking your throat and your rheumy or rheumy nurse can advise what you should do with regards your biologic. Keep hydrated in the meantime and I hope you get well soon.

[Deminem]

Thanks guys!

Maybe I'll put some calls in, would rather phone gp than spread what I have, it's pretty nasty.

[Deminem]

still awake and alive...just.

Re my header, i think i'll take my enbrel as normal tmtw.....well actually today now. I don't think it's as easy as all that. I;ll probably end up suffering more ny skipping it.

Top of the morning to yer!

D

[Matalow]

Bejesus I’d ring for advice before taking the biologic Get well soon.

Regards Mike

[AgedCrone]

Talk to your doctor/rheumy nurse asap.........if you have a bacterial infection it needs treatment...in fact anything that blocks your air way needs to be seen quickly by a medic.

[Kerensa21]

I don’t know what biologic you’re on but advice from my rheumatology was not to take them with any infection especially if on antibiotics & not to restart until infection clear. GPs are not as clued up; I’d ring your advice line as others have said.

[Leics]

I know how you feel I was taken to A&E a week ago with what turned out to be a very nasty virus. I was always told by my rheumy that any infection or virus needed antibiotic treatment but I’m severely immune suppressed. I’ve also been told to stop taking the baricitinib from day one of symptoms. I’ve been off treatment for over a week and although I’m pretty sore it’s not too bad but I’m still taking prednisone so that’s probably helping. I’m still coughing up a storm very wheezy and feel dreadful. If I was you I wouldn’t think about taking the biologic until you’ve spoken to rheumy I don’t think it would do you any favours. Unfortunately viruses and bacterial infection can get very bad very quickly so don’t risk it. Seek help.

[Deminem in reply to Leics]

Leics that sounds really awful, you poor thing.

Thanks for taking the time to help me when you yourself feel so ruff.

Wishing you a speedy recovery x

[nomoreheels]

GP Surgeries waiting rooms are the most unhealthy places so I’d put in for a telephone consultation with your GP, today. The sooner you can the better. If it is bacterial it needs nipping in the bud & he may want a sputum test before he'll prescribe anything. Meantime have you tried steaming with something like Olbas oil? It may help open up your airway.

[Deminem]

Thank you everyone for your help and concern, it's much appriciated.

I'm feeling a bit better today, think I may have turned the corner. I have done the chills, sweats, coughs, runny nose and sleepless nights. I will have a steam with olbas in the bath thanks nomoreheels, and will hold off my enbrel until I get hold of my rhumy nurse.

You guys are good xx

D

[Leics]

Thanks I’m glad you seem to have turned a corner. I’ve spent another day in bed I’m better for the rest but still coughing and it’s been 10 days and still kicking my ass. On my second lot of antibiotics which also make me feel dreadful. Hey ho with all the steam inhalation with olbas and being sticky with vick not to mention the cough syrup, paracetamol amongst other stuff I’ve got to be feeling better soon too. It always takes me a while to shift viruses and bacterial infections but this ones awful and to top it all I’ve got eczema on both elbows behind my ears and on my scalp too and it’s very rare for that to happen. I still think you’re wise to hold off on the enbrel until you’ve spoken to rheumy wise decision you don’t need your immune system compromising when it’s needed to fight off the infection. Hopefully it won’t be for long.