Flare post COVID

[Avi2013]

Did anyone experience a long flare after covid? I was put on orencia and everything was improving and then I got COVID. Two weeks after COVID I'm having shitty time with my joints. They easily flare - like if I clean I'm out with pain in my hands the next day. Steroids got increased. I'm hoping this is short term effects of COVID and I don't have to go on another drug. Just want to hear if anyone out there had a similar experience so this is not all in my head.

[BonesY2K]

Hi Avi2013Yes very much like you. It has been a long road trying to get this disease controlled. Early symptoms2017. Finally diagnosed 2020.

I tested positive for Covid in December. It was truly awful and I stopped MTX and Abatacept while I was positive only starting again at end of the month. ( 3 week break). O2 monitor, daily calls to check on me etc. continued with the other meds

Am still exhausted, bones burning, joints tender- now many more than before. Very limited use creates burning pain particularly hands wrists elbows, ankles feet and shoulders, so building stamina seems a challenge.

Now 2 months since positive test but still off work and not able to do much. Have had increase in anti inflammatories and now course of steroids. Long covid has been mentioned by GP and Rheumatology. ( I have seen both )

The break in meds came before RA was controlled so essentially starting regime again. Trying to stay positive.

I wish you well and hope we both find answers.

[Avi2013 in reply to BonesY2K]

Thanks for your reply and may you feel better soon. I guess I will take it a day at a time

[bpeal1]

Not specific to Covid but whenever my daughter gets a nasty virus (eg a really bad cold) she always flares after it. The virus seems to turn her immune system on and then it plays havoc. It usually takes a steroid injection to settle it down. If I were you I would contact your Rheumatology team for advice.

[Avi2013 in reply to bpeal1]

So funny thing with me - when I get a virus I get better. Immune system is fighting the virus instead of my joints and then it all comes back once the virus has left. But with COVID it made no difference. I did connect with rheumy and we have increased my steroids - I gather this will be a slow process and I have to take easy on my joints. Thanks for your reply

[bpeal1 in reply to Avi2013]

In the early days of RA I was the same as you. These days it doesn’t seem to make any difference.

[Haylonico]

I had 7 great years being on Sulfasalazine- I could climb mountains- literally!! Ok.hills ....but big hills! Then I got Covid and 6 weeks later flared up. Another 7 weeks after that amd im still not sorted. Steroid injections in knee (worst affected joint) and bum (won't do knee again), plus naproxen and im still limping and sore (still.on Sulfasalazine of coursel. Please tell me, are you sorted now?😫x