infections

[Jakey2020]

I’m in 20mg mtx.. had bad chest infection so was on antibiotics. They didn’t clear it so was on prednisone and it got better, two weeks later it was back .. no sleep, wheezing.. now on steroid inhaler.. also ears popping and stuffy feeling!!! Feeling so low but had X-ray and waiting for results!!! Stopped mtx while it’s sorted but now pain coming back!!! Any advice??? 😭

[Ruth12345]

Sorry to read that.All I can do is empathise. I'm on my third lot of antibiotics in 4 months and second lot of 30mg steroids. I'm on a maintenance level of 5mg daily anyway, plus the usual dmards and other meds. So I've been on and off dmards in tandem with antibiotics and steroids. I have been coughing, chesty, wheezy, poor sleep etc etc, and high temp, and as you . Same each time. I go to see whoever I can get an appointment with within 2 to 3 days of this starting. I do this because I have ended up in hospital and very nearly twice. I have been advised to catch this early. As well as infection I hurt like billio .

So I'm sorry I have no advice except be kind to yourself and I empathise.

Ohhh the joys ... 🌻

Ps 2 days ago i couldn't have the energy to write this so meds are kicking in, albeit slowly

[wilbertjellyfish]

You can restart your mtx two days after end of antibiotics. However, you probably need to see the GP to ensure the infection is gone. I know this year there are some nasty cold viruses about that take a long time to recover from.

[Ruth12345 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

I'm fortunate that I have agreement with what to do in these circumstances with my rheumy. My gp and nurses haven't a clue and always used to tell me to refer to my rheumy. One locum said he didn't know anything about RA and to ring 111 and ask them. Ridiculous. Anyway fortunately I'm sorted in this situation. 🌻

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to Ruth12345]

Glad to hear it. I think most GPs don't know a lot.

[Ruth12345 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Other than that I'm very well looked after by those at our gp practice.Take care. 🌻

[jillbarnes]

Hi Jakey - I do hope you start to recover soon - I had a similar experience and had to stop the methotrexate whist on the third lot antibiotics as the first two did not have any effect. The pain returned a week after I stopped the methotrexate so was able to restart it the day after I finished the last antibiotic and it quickly got on top of the pain - hope you recover quickly. Regards Jill

[Jakey2020 in reply to jillbarnes]

Thanks Jill, it’s beginning to get me down.. can’t rest for coughing .. if not coughing it’s pain from joints. Sat up last night with frozen peas on shoulder 😭…

[jillbarnes]

Hi Jakey have you tried old fashioned honey and lemon in hot water drink to sip to help the cough and cannabidiol cream for the joint pain

[Jakey2020 in reply to jillbarnes]

Hi Jill, tried all sorts .. Vicks, honey n lemon, humidifier, will have to go back on mtx soon. Hate being alone with it all 😭