Pneumonia with sepsis CRP 400

[Newbie73]

I’ve been in hospital with severe pneumonia and treated for sepsis. Temp 39-41.4, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure. - I didn’t have sepsis but they proactively treated for it given the infection markers in my blood. I was looked after very well.

I’ve had pneumonia since mid July but my chest was clear, my temps been high 38.4 for months but I didn’t feel hot, assumed my body temp was a little higher than most people’s, Same way my blood pressure is naturally low. They thought I had a kidney infection as my chest/lungs completely clear but I had a pain in my upper right back so they did an xray for completeness. I had the exact same pain back in July.

my question is - is it possible to have a severe infection like this. Been on 3 intravenous antibiotics and a load of other stuff - and not get a flare? my CRP is back to low 40’s which is what it was back in July.

I’m not asking for medical advice just other people’s experience after a significant infection.

I am waiting for a monster flare in response to the infection but wonder if it’s a given that I will have one. I’ve only missed one MTX injection so far. A&E wanted me to miss at least 2 but rheumy said just to take my next one tomorrow a day late as I finish antibiotics today. I assume rheumy want be back on it help avoid a flare but has that ship already sailed?

to flare one or to flare that is the question?

Thank you

[Gillybob19]

When I had pneumonia in February I came off both mtx and my biologic for 7 weeks whilst I got rid of it. I had several courses of antibiotics and some oral steroids. The steroids I took for a week or two but I was very surprised that I didn't flare during that time. I think it could be that the body is too busy dealing with the serious infection to also battle with the joints 🤷‍♀️ who knows. Hope you stay flare free and get over the pneumonia quickly.

[Newbie73 in reply to Gillybob19]

Thanks Gillybob - and I thought I had it bad. Glad you’re back on track.

I was hoping that could happen. - too busy dealing with an infection to attack my joints.

Thanks for sharing

[Deeb1764]

when I am fighting something else my body seems to forget about RA for a little bit. Many on here say the body fights what it needs to fight and the RA leaves you alone. I also have a lower temperature now and even when I feel I have a fever ie COVID my temp always stays low. My GP has marked up on my notes don’t assume no temperature not Ill ( words to that effect)

The weird stuff our bodies do!

[Newbie73 in reply to Deeb1764]

Yes I am learning that. Fingers crossed then that I don’t flare . I had been having little flares for weeks thinking my MTX needed tweaking but must have been due to the infection I didn’t even know I had.

Just when I think I have a handle on this, the gift that keeps on giving.

Thank you for sharing

[Gottarelax in reply to Deeb1764]

I have the same impression. When I get an infection, the RA symptoms seem to be improve a little. However, I do find that I get a little mini-flare when I'm recovered from the infection...that shivery, achy feeling for a couple of days before I go back to pre-infection health.

[LisaBro]

I had pneumonia in March and ended up with a Pus Pocket on my lung. I had 4 additional courses of antibiotics from April to July. After a ct scan in August I was advised that I would need to come off my Methotrexate, Benipali as I was being referred to St Barts for potential washout and drain of the Pus pocket. 6 weeks off my methotrexate and Benipali have caused me the most excruciating pain I have felt in my 30 years of having Rheumatoid arthritis. My time off the drugs apparently helped heal the pus pocket. However the pain and damage done to me both physically and mentally is ongoing. I am back on my Methotrexate and Benipali, both decided by myself as I couldn't get hold of a doctor to let my GP know he can sign off my methotrexate prescriptions. If I were you, I would take my methotrexate and avoid any long periods off of it. I hope you get better soon.

[Newbie73 in reply to LisaBro]

Thank you for responding. I think I am getting off lightly. Hope you get back on track soon.

I still have not had a cough, so I have been sat waiting for the other shoe to drop! Me to reinfect myself/ get an abscess or a mega flare.

I was waiting for a cough as I had assumed that the crap in my lungs needed to come out.l and the consultant in discharge asked if my cough had started, and not to panic when it does I was not relapsing. I assume your cough never went away.

Seems I have been lucky. I need to be grateful for that and move on and stop worrying.

I’ve was signed off for 2 weeks so will take that, relax and recharge.