500,000 Immunosuppressed in UK

[DogAgilityObsessed]

There was an interesting bit on Radio 4 Today this morning. I think many people don’t realise they are in this category - I think we are if we are on pred. Can someone confirm please?

[DogAgilityObsessed]

I try to pay attention! But I wanted reassurance that I’m not wrong when explaining why I’m not happy behaving like a lot of other people. And unfortunately we don’t all have time to read posts every day. (PS had one of my dogs pts yesterday so I’m not in a good place.)

[Rosbud in reply to DogAgilityObsessed]

So sorry you had to lose one if your dogs , big Angel hugs c

[SheffieldJane in reply to DogAgilityObsessed]

Condolences on the brave decision you had to make for your dear dog. 💜

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Yes steroids (as well as other medication you may be on like MTX) do suppress the immune system - and you should remember even if you have just finished your Pred, it may take a few months for your immune system to be fully functioning again.

[MrsNails]

Hi We’re all pretty much immunocompromised, some more than others, if we are on higher doses Pred for a longer time, the addition of DMARDS such as Methotrexate & Biologicals such as Actemra will make you more vulnerable.

People on Chemo or other anti suppressant drugs are more at risk but they have their blood levels checked more often so their White Cells are checked regularly.

I am sorry to read about your dog, it must be a very difficult decision & you must feel very sad.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[123-go]

So sorry to hear you've lost your dog-effectively a member of your family and you will miss the loyalty and companionship hugely. Look after yourself, Griggser.

[Blossom20]

Hi DAO, thanks for posting that, that's an awful lot of people on immunosuppressants!So sorry to hear about you losing your dog...so sad always.

How's it going with the PMR? I'm stuck on 6, and teetering on the brink!

Best wishes to you

[DogAgilityObsessed in reply to Blossom20]

You are doing better than me. I’m stuck on 10mg. Fortunately my GP isn’t pressurising me (too much) to reduce further at the moment.

[Blossom20 in reply to DogAgilityObsessed]

Oh, sorry to hear that - you were doing so well earlier... Well, we are where we are, no point in pretending we're not and pushing it. Acceptance is the key I think, although I find that very hard!

[Meggsy]

One year or so after commencing pred I was stuck at 10mg for a while. I kept trying to taper by 1 mg, but was successful when I changed to 0.5mg. Have tapered very slowly since and presently on 3.5mg after 3 and a bit years with a couple of minor glitches along the way. Try not to be disheartened, you’ll get there eventually. 🌻

[MaryHelen1]

So sorry to hear about your dog. Please read my post on dogs and immunosuppressants you might find inlteresting. Keep going things will get better..