Stop meds or carry on taking

[mikefox]

Methotrexate and biologic for rhem arth means I'm immunocompromised. 53 years old. Normal flu is a threat hence we are given a flu jab. Covid 19 is much more contagious and more severe. Surely it's prudent to stop taking meds until a vaccine arrives. But that could be a year. Medical advice is to keep taking meds but I think this is only because there's not yet any stats about covid and morbidity rates in our at risk group. I really don't know what to do and I have a biology degree that included microbiology and epidemiology. Will carry on taking meds and am self isolating but my wife is an nhs worker so very nervous. What I'm trying to find out is just how compromised our immune systems are due to meds.

[Mmrr]

NRAS provided information about this, see pinned posts from Victoria.

[helixhelix]

I have just replied in another post....

“However it is individual, as I know that despite taking MTX and a biologic my immune system is functioning at a reasonable level. I haven’t had a cold or cough in years despite others around me getting them, I don’t get infections like UTIs, and when I injure myself the cut or scratch heals normally.”

Oh, and I had a dental check up last week that showed I have no gum inflammation. And my last blood test shown normal WBC and neutrophil levels.

[AgedCrone]

Please calm down...rheumatologists know what they are talking about when they advise you & thousands of others with RA to continue taking the drugs they prescribe.

Look back to how bad you felt before your RA was controlled......do you really want to revert to that ? In fact....by stopping the drugs that control your disease doctors are saying your system will be less likely to cope with any sort of infection as inflammation lowers resistance.

A lot of people who are a lot older than you, with much more compromised immune systems are listening to their doctors & continuing to take their drugs....& those on monthly/6 monthly infusions have no choice....the drug is already in their system....mine included!

All any of us can do is listen to the warnings issued...wash your hands, keep away from people, if possible work from home & conform with any other conditions issued in the future.

It’s not pleasant...nobody wants to be confined to their own home for an unspecified time....but if scientists who understand Covid19 advise that is the way to protect ourselves....I guess I’m going to listen,...kicking & screaming, but I don’t want to be infected .....most will find something to occupy themselves......so bottom line, we each have the choice & have to make the decision for ourselves.

[Evie3 in reply to AgedCrone]

Agree!

[Hidden]

We are in a catch 22 situation . So it will have to be an individual choice. I’m same age on the same kind of cocktail. I’m flaring today stiff and feet hurt and won’t work what will be like if I didn’t take the drugs.

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Also remember if you stop taking medication you WILL more than likely go into FLARE and as all NHS staff are being pulled in every direction it is unlikely you would be able to access a rapid appointment for flare management. If your RA is uncontrolled that will put you at high risk as well so far better to keep it under control. In summary - continue to take your MEDS but also self isolate and follow all the guidelines for keeping yourself and your families safe.

If we all play our part we will get through this.

Stay safe everyone and I sincerely wish you all will remain C-Free

[springcross in reply to Clare-NRAS]

You too.