Covid positive

[WOLFETTE]

Diagnosed pmr in May. Started on 15mg prednisolone. Got down to 9mg last week . Yesterday I tested positive for covid. Already on antibiotics for a chest infection . Just feel like I’ve got a nasty cold and achy . Was wondering if I should up my prednisolone for a few days . Still all new to this. All doctors appointments have been on the phone so not been given any information. .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hard luck - there are one or two others with Covid at the moment. Get well soon!

The sick day rules would apply and you will get a link to the booklet in the Pinned Posts and in the FAQs - but here it is anyway

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

You should speak to your doctor before using the recommendations which would put you up to 18mg I think. OTOH, I wouldn't put mine up if I weren't feeling particularly unwell - for a cold for example - so maybe see how you get on. If you get worse before you get better then you could revisit the pred dose.

I assume you have had 3 jabs? Did you manage to get the first 2 before PMR and pred?

[WOLFETTE in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for reply. Have seen so many different things that mentioned increasing dose if not well . Not increased meds yet as don’t feel too bad at the moment. In fact felt worse with chest infection . Not had any jabs .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WOLFETTE]

If you have not had any jabs, do be very watchful with the symptoms and don't risk not asking for medical help if you get worse. With jabs the course of Covid is almost always relatively mild - without their protection, all bets are off.

[Topcar]

Hi I tested positive on 15th November so rang Rheumatology Nurse as I'm also on methotrexate she spoke to rheumatologist who advised me to stop methotrexate for 3 weeks but under no circumstances was I to up my prednisolone (on 12mg) and if I got worse with covid symptoms or thought I was having a pmr or gca flare to contact them immediately for further advise, luckily neither happened and although I'm still coughing and have no sense of taste or smell I now feel much better , here's hoping you too will soon be feeling better it must be miserable having a chest infection at the same time as covid! Sending best wishes

[WOLFETTE in reply to Topcar]

Glad you’re feeling better . The cough is the worse bit but have had worse . I can still taste and smell . Just feels like I have a nasty cold 🤷‍♀️ .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WOLFETTE]

How long have you had it? Or is it difficult to tell because of the chest infection?

[WOLFETTE in reply to PMRpro]

Tested positive yesterday. Was negative Sunday . I have to test daily due to my job

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Just as an aside, why haven’t you had any vaccines? With an immune suppressed system (due to steroids) you are at higher risk of serious implications of Covid.

[WOLFETTE in reply to DorsetLady]

Unfortunately I tend to react very badly to just about anything . ( even reacted to surgical steel when had to have hip pinned ) So after a discussion with my doctor decided to hold back from having vaccines till a bit more is known about side effects

[Nightingales]

Have you let your dr know that you have Covid and are immunocompromised. I understand that they are giving a monoclonal antibody infusion as an outpatient to people like us with good results . One acquaintance called her GP and was sent to A&E where it was given.

[WOLFETTE in reply to Nightingales]

Be lucky to even get through to reception at doctors let alone get to speak to a doctor. Took 3days to get through last time then another 2days before doctor called back

[Nightingales in reply to WOLFETTE]

That’s inexcusable! You could try calling 111 and see what their protocol is for immunocompromised people with Covid.

[YuliK in reply to WOLFETTE]

Sorry to read about the Covid Wolfette. Hope it stays mild and doesn’t get more serious.

Just a reminder, that you should stay at home and stay in complete isolation.

My 18 year old grandson had covid and poor guy was isolated 10 days in his bedroom.

It’s most important that you stay away from other people, as this new variant is very very contagious.

Your local GP surgery will help you without you going there.

You definitely should let the doctor know if your chest is getting worse.

Also you should inform any people that you have been in contact with that you are infected.

Sorry that you have Covid, but this darn virus will never be eradicated if we don’t help each other.

YuliK.

[Exflex]

Most people I know have very minor reaction to Pfizer, or no reaction at all apart from a sore arm and some bruising that usually abates in around 7 days. The minor risks are significantly outweighed by the benefits. I would get the first two doses as quick as... followed by the booster accordingly (+3 months from 2nd dose).