Compromised immune system & Coronavirus Part 2

[apttony]

A week ago I posted a message titled "Compromised imune system & Coronavirus" (note I misspelt 'immune'!) and asking the following question:-

"I have been treated for PMR for the last 20 months by taking steroids (Prednisolone) and therefore have a compromised immune system. I am male and 76 years old, and have a pre-booked holiday in 3 weeks to Tenerife.

How likely is this to effect my tolerance to infection and/or hide my symptoms, i.e. muscle pain, etc, to coronavirus? "

Thank you to all who responded. However, since then I have spoken to my GP, with much the same question, though emphasising that the hotel we were going to stay at is about one mile from the H10 hotel in Adeje which went into 'lockdown' with all it's guests kept inside.

My GP's initial response was that he was in a difficult position, since the UK Foreign Office advice did not state that travel to Spain was a problem, and he could therefore not give me a letter that I could use to make a claim with my travel insurance should I decide not to go.

However, he did understand my question with regard to the effects of being on Prednisolone and contracting Coronavirus, and would immediately conduct some research. He rang me not long after, saying that he had found evidence that "may put me at risk if I was to contract Coronavirus . . . . . . and therefore writing in support of his holiday cancellation on medical grounds".

The holiday was immediately cancelled. It will be nice if the costs get refunded, but its not the main issue at all, but I do have ther letter.

In hindsight, it would have been good to know just what he found in his research, but at the time his response was enough. However, I did find an article discussing the aspect the other way around - i.e. using corticosteroids to treat Coronavirus.

See contagionlive.com/news/is-t...

[jinasc]

I think you were very sensible to seek advice from your GP.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It should be pointed out though that, depressing as it may feel to be described as elderly, just on the grounds of age you belong to a higher risk group.

[apttony in reply to PMRpro]

Too true! I wonder how they are getting on with finding the true elixir of life?

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to apttony]

We've already found it: happy family, good friends and good times.

[SheffieldJane]

I think you are making good choices. Thanks for posting.

[Zhenya in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hello Sheffield Jane

How are your headaches? We compared notes some weeks ago. Since then my GP sent me to the National Migraine Centre, where a doctor recommended a daily supplement of magnesium, riboflavin and an enzyme Q10. It’s called Dolovent. My chemist didn’t stock it but recommended a similar supplement called BioKult Migréa. After 2 weeks of taking it twice a day I am still suffering but now have about 2 days out of every 7 headache free. Last week I had a session of acupuncture, which also helped I think. I hope you are feeling better.

Zhenya

[SheffieldJane in reply to Zhenya]

Thanks for the tips. I am awaiting various test results and an Opthalmology appointment. My temporal arteries appear to be clear. Your doctor seems pretty hands on. I see my Rheumatologist soon. The pain is not severe, very tired though. Thanks for asking.

[daworm]

I would have went and tried to be careful...the worst part...the plane ride...the best...warmth and healing sun...

[pugrescue]

Interestingly enough, today read that in China they are treating some of the most severe cases of Covid-19 with Actmera. The worst side effect of the virus apparently is the overeaction of the immune system.

[Hidden in reply to pugrescue]

There was a post about this a couple of days ago. If it shows significant signs of helping we know where all the actemra will be directed. The good thing about the artle then was that at least it mentioned GCA.... I'll take what publicity I can take. The other thing I have thought since is if there is a huge increase in use and a recoup of R&D money for the drug company will it drop in price... Or does it work more cynically while still in test phases. 🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Doubt they'll drop the price until it is fully out of patent - except that is due and if they can repurpose it for this, they can extend the patent ....

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

As usual.....