Methotrexate and risks.

Hi, I am on MTX injections as well as Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, and other meds.

I was supposed to go to visit in laws this week, but my sister in law has Shingles. So I probably shouldn't go? If my OH goes, is there a risk he could bring it home, or am I just over anxious again?

[joan_w]

I would phone your Rheumy nurse or GP as the meds for RA all lower our immune system. Personally I would not visit while they have shingles. It is possible your OH could become ill so get advice from a professional. Hope you and your OH stay well.

Jo

[LavendarLady]

Shingles and chickenpox are related. I understand we all have the potential to carry the shingles virus but why it flares up in some people and not others is a mystery.

Because your immune system is so low, you should stay away from anyone who is infectious with the shingles virus and particularly from anyone who has chickenpox. LavendarLady x

[sylvi]

i would go with what lavendarlady says. Sylvia.xx

[helixhelix]

Also, has your OH had chicken pox? You probably need to consider the risk of him getting shingles too, as would be hard for both of you if he got it. Polly

[Custard]

hey Hon

Just to be safe I would stay at home and ask your OH to take a raincheck on the visit until his sister is better.

Shingles is nasty when you have a normal immune system ( I've had it) so i'd dread to consider what it does to a person with a weakend immune system.

Hopefully your inlaws, OH and sister in law can appreciate your condition means you need to be extra careful.

Take care

Joy

[Alderess]

Hi All

I had shingles whilst on MTX and Enbrel. It wasn't pleasant although the doctor gave me an anti viral so it was calmer than it might have been. I still get ghost pain from the site but its not a big deal.

I would avoid someone carrying shingles if you can. I am a teacher and it was the chicken pox virus that caused shingles in me because I was very tired and stressed. I haven't had it since and that was 3 years ago almost to the day. Hope this helps?

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your support. Shingles seems to be so complicated. I phoned my RA nurse and she told me not to go. But my OH had to go, to help to get his Mum to hospital. (She is in her nineties.) So fingers crossed (which is tricky) he comes home healthy!