Arghhhhh

[Eiram50]

Hi everyone. I hope you’re all doing as well as can be.

I haven’t been around much as I’ve been really struggling - it’s looking

Like both shoulders now need replaced and my foot is a mess, making it almost

Impossible to walk. I’ve to get steroid shots into the foot, in the first instance - I’ve already had surgery twice in the little bugger ( excuse language).

But, to make matters worse, I have now tested positive for covid ( last night) and feel absolutely awful.

Can anyone tell me if we still take our meds when positive for covid? Specifically, biologics, MTX, leflunomide and Etoricoxib ?

Thanks in advance x

[Runrig01]

My rheumatologist told me to hold off Dmards and biologics till recovered. So I would suspect stop MTX, leflunomide and biologic. You should be ok with Etoricoxib though. I would check with your rheumatologist though. I was also told not to restart till you feel well and have 2 negative tests.

[Boxerlady]

Poor you! Have you reported your positive result as you may be eligible for anti-virals?

[Eiram50 in reply to Boxerlady]

I’ll report now x

[springcross]

Hi Eiram. I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this and that you now have Covid! I hope you only have a mild dose and will recover quickly. All the best. xx

[medway-lady]

I'm sorry to read this and hope the antiviral or antibody medications works as quickly for you as it did me. X

[Eiram50 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you.

I spoke with the rhuemy nurse today who told me not to take any of my medications and that I was to contact NHS 24 to access anti virals. She told me that I can only start them within the first five days of testing positive for covid. My 5th day is tomorrow and given that I don’t feel as bad as I imagined I might, I said that I felt I would just leave it:

Now wondering if I’ve done the right thing as whilst I’m no worse, I’m not feeling any better x

[Mmrr]

Ach, what a lot to deal with.

I do hope you get antivirals soon.

[Pippy25]

Just wanted to send some supportive wishes to you Eiram, so sorry to hear what you are going through right now xx🤗

[ABwn]

So sorry to hear that you've now got Covid. Hopefully you'll recover quickly. Take care.

[Gladders]

I managed to get the Antivirals two weeks ago by contacting 111 they were really good and got me sorted to have the infusion the next day, I was still unwell for a few days but much better now . Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[GinnyE]

I would ring 111. They will refer to Covid Medicines Delivery Unit who should ring you and get antiviral meds to you.

[Monkeysmum]

Sending a big hug Eiram, hope you can get the antivirals and feel better soon. Lots of sympathy for the other problems also, my feet are my worst source of pain and as a RA nurse said to me once ‘when your feet hurt, everything becomes miserable!’. 🤗

[Suzie45]

Hi hope your feeling better today. I had Covid for the 2nd time in March this year. I was advised by both the specialist nurse and consultant to withhold my s/c methotrexate and benepali for 1 week. Hope this helps. Take care

[janmary]

So sorry to hear how many joint problems you have - and about COVID- have you access to anti virals?

[Eiram50 in reply to janmary]

I didn’t think this was automatic? The anti virals. Might give NHS24 a call today x

[Plumcrumble]

Sending best wishes 💐💕

[Hidden]

We went on our first holiday for 3years just over 2 weeks ago & I felt dreadful all the time we were away. When we got home I did a lft test & it was positive. I reported it & I soon had a doctor ring me to ask questions & he prescribed antivirals & I had to come off Mtx, Lefludamide & Hydroxy. I felt better quickly but after 5 days I felt much worse despite having negative tests. I still feel totally exhausted & ache more than usual. My doctor said it is quite normal to feel that way for up to 6 - 8 weeks after a negative test as my body will have had it taken out of it & have no energy left. Sorry for the long email & I hope you soon feel better. Xxx

[patrickd]

I do not want to give you ANY misinformation so I would have to say it is VITAL for you to contact your physician before you make any changes to your current dosing of medications! I personally was told by my current RA/MD to STOP my biologic and to increase my Steroid to double my current dose for 5 full days while battling Covid. I do not know your history or case but I do believe they tell you to stop the biologic to help your immune system fight the Covid infection BUT at the same time increase your steriods? Hmmmm...