For some reason I feel worried

OK I know my local GP has organised it but because I have not actually seen him and he has just organised the following does anyone feel I should be concerned all call my rheumy team to check.

I have been feeling that my breathing has got a tad tight and this is with a dry cough, mild fever and now and agin a very dry throat. Now based on RD having so many of these things I have ignored but realised yesterday I was not quite feeling right. Plus my hands have started to swell again and generally all joints gone stff and achy after a good run of being ok.

So my local GP very busy and I explained to reception my RD and how I was feeling and could Doc call me so I could get my steroids again and also discuss the other issues. I got a call back from reception saying meds here for you to collect of Pred and anti biotics.

Now I know some issues with MTX and taking stuff is this OK to take anti biotics - I know he is a Doc but my brain is feeling anxious as not seen or spoken to him.

I just dont want to get ill over the next week or 2.

Thanks for the response in advance.

[helixhelix]

Well I have been prescribed antibiotics to take alongside Methotrexate, and not advised to stop the MTX. The only antibiotic you absolutely mustn’t take with MTX is one called trimethoprim.

But I have to say it is very bad practice to prescribe antibiotics without seeing the patient to check they really need them. You could have a viral infection in which case they would be useless. But I guess he or she was trying to be helpful.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

thanks helixhelix I think that was what is worrying me as not spoken directly or been seen. Will leave a message with rheumy team to make sure they know what I am doing x

[wishbone in reply to Hidden]

Best check amoxecillin too as I think care needs to be taken with that, but I don't believe it's as harmful as trimithoprim can be with methotrexate.

My GP once prescibed trimethoprim when I was taking methotrexate. I'd been taking it for 3 days when my wife just happened to mention it to my pharmacist who warned against taking it. Luckily no harm was done, at least none that I know of.

Hope you get sorted.

[Hidden]

Given antibiotics with out seeing you??? Very unorthodox practice. I have been told never take antibiotics with methotrexate or even with a heavy cold .. methotrexate is an immune suppresent and it can make things worse and liver doesn’t like it.

Now the breathing and cough would worry me so definitely contact the rheummy team ... I know its Christmas and there may be a delay in response so if it was me a trip to A&E for peace of mind or if it’s something else aleast you will be treated.. please don’t leave it .. let us know how you get on.

[Sockknitter]

Perhaps he is just putting a belt and braces on the situation.

I would collect the prescription and speak to your Rheumie team for advice.

You don't need to take the antibiotics right away, but if you become sicker when the Surgery is closed, they are at hand.

[oldtimer]

personally I would ask to actually speak to the doctor to find out what he/she had in mind. Should you start them now? Wait until you feel worse? keep them in reserve? Just take the steroids? add in the antibiotics if any signs of secondary infection? Not good practice, but sounds as if they are overwhelmed...

[Hidden]

Hi all rheumy line called m e back early today and seeing consultant Fri and been given a plan and so off MTX this week as very upset tummy. Thank you all! x

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

That’s good! Hope you feel ok for christmas day tomorrow

[AndrewT]

Dear Deeb2908,

Simply put...You need to See Your Doctor! Go, to the Surgery, explain to the Receptionist- ALL your Fears- then Don't Leave, without an appointment, be it 3027🥴. Seriously though, you DO have the 'Right', for, at the Very Least, a Consultation.

Being 'generous'- maybe the Receptionist, simply didn't, understand how Worried you were, by all of this. Leave her in, no doubt, this time.

Do Go Back, to your Doctor, and GET an appointment Deeb.

A, slightly belated, Happy New Year 2020.

AndrewT

[Hidden]

AndrewT I called the rheumy line and they got me in 2 days later to see consultant so felt so much better. My local GP did say he needs to talk to his team about RD as I am only one there with it so means nothing to them when I say I need to speak or see a Doc. So all good now and thank you for your words.

[AndrewT in reply to Hidden]

I'm glad, and very Relieved, for you Deeb. I know that we ALL, send you, our Best wishes. Can/ will you, let us all know, how you 'get on' please?

AndrewT

[Hidden in reply to AndrewT]

I now have Sicca with the RD and OA and sprays for mouth, eye drops and now take MTX 2 x 10mg weekly to try and beat nausea and diarrhoea. However I think as does Consultant I am on my way to injections soon.

I still am not happy about dry cough but chest clear so he kept me off antibiotics as he said no point taking them unless I really need them.

So lets see how the next month goes as the fatigue is awful at the moment and hands starting to swell again so flare not controlled yet. But working with MTX and keeping fingers (well if I could) crossed.

[AndrewT in reply to Hidden]

I have MY Fingers Crossed, for you Deeb.

AndrewT