Worse after an UTI and Covid

[Siena62]

Good afternoon.

About five weeks ago I developed an UTI for which I took three separate courses of antibiotics as it wouldn't clear. In the same period I contracted Covid which didn't affect me much. I only found out that I had it because a friend who I'd spent time with had done a Covid test and it was positive. Whilst I had the UTI and Covid I didn't have an increase in PMR symptoms but from a week ago (the day after I finished the third course of antibiotics) I've been feeling worse. Prior to this I'd been feeling really well for a few weeks and had been thinking of tapering again.

I'm puzzled about why I've been feeling worse after recovering from the UTI and and Covid. I was on holiday and sightseeing whilst I had them but I didn't experience any increased fatigue or stiffness. I have been taking vaginal estriol for two and a half weeks now but I can't imagine that this has any bearing.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Even if you didn't feel too bad with the Covid at the time, don't underestimate how long it can hang on and how long it can take for Long Covid to develop. It is more likely if you develop severe Covid symptoms but even mild cases can hang on.

nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/...

[SnazzyD]

It may have been that they lit the fuse of PMR but it was a slow one and has taken this long to blow. I agree with PMRPro saying not to underestimate Covid, even after mild illness. The fact that the UTI needed 3 courses means it has been in your system for this time too and that may have been the last straw.

[PMR_sufferer1]

So my experience I have mentioned before on this site. Whenever I get any illness my PMR symptoms almost disappear to the point I thought yes at last I am on top of this

But sadly when the illness goes the PMR returns often slightly worse than it was before

I find it a mystery why my auto immune system stops attacking my own body re PMR and works well to get rid of other infections like COVID. Then my immune system returns to attacking me.

Like you I reduced Pred thinking I was getting on top of things only to be disappointed when it returnee.

It's all very strange !