Cold or W/g

[ARFalk]

I have W/G, if I have been with people who have a cold and a few days later I have flu symptoms do I have a cold or is the W/G reacting to the cold.I am on Azathioprine and Predisolone and many more pills

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi

If you have been with someone with a cold and you develop cold symptoms then the chances are you've caught their cold and it isn't anything to do with the WG. As I have said often, "common things happen commonly". The best advice is to tell them to keep away and explain why or yhou keep away from them, even if it means missing some social engagement etc.

However, the problem is that a cold for the "normal" person isn't the same for us "abnormal" people. Our immune systems aren't like theirs. We can't fight the infection on our own and it is likely to turn into a chest infection or worse.

If I get a cold I contact my GP and he prescribes a course of antibiotics - just in case. I don't take them if I don't need them, but if it takes hold then I start. Under our circumstances a word with the GP might be appropriate.

PatriciaAnn

[Hidden]

Hi

I also have WG and was thinking the same as you, is it the flu or a flareup? How do we know? I havnt been feeling well for weeks but this week I just feel like I did when I was diagnosed 4yrs ago, coughing, shivers, aches and pains, loss of appetite, esr and crp are slighty raised.but GP is not concerned.I was due my last planned 6 monthly ritux in March but still havnt got my appointment, even though I have been trying to chase it up. I have had many colds and virus since my last ritux last Sept, but this is much worse.

I personally feel as a wegeners patient with shared care between the trusts, you are left to get on with it yourself.

[John_Mills Volunteer]

John has had 2 chest infections this year already. The last one was very bad and he had to take antibiotics. He was due for his flu jab but it was decided not to give it to him because he was so poorly. He is just getting over a chest infection now but he seems to be riding this one without antibiotics and is improving. Having small grandchildren does not help with these bugs I am afraid. After having WG for 11 years John always seems to know if it is his WG or an infection/cold/flu. If in any doubt speak to your consultant as it is better to be safe than sorry.

[PatriciaAnn]

Just taking this post one step further. The question "is it the WG or is it just something else?" is one that exercises all our minds. The longer you travel this journey the better equipped you are to fathom it out. However, even we veterans get it wrong. If in doubt ring/see the GP or consultant and check it out

[ARFalk]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions

[SandieB]

Hi iam a WG patient and have been for 20+yrs but like Susan says we still get diagnosis wrong, fortunately i managed to get my flu jab this year and i have been on Septrin tablets for 12mths now and touch wood have managed to be free of colds and infections, i dont no whether i have just been lucky or its a combination of the jab / septrin tabs. But like Susan says if in doubt get it checked ( thats if you can manage to get to see your GP i have very often had to phone my consultant for advice ) Hope you feel better soon

[kath12341]

Hi when i was diagnosed and then treated for good old wg the dr put me on a high dose of septrin which I am still taking some 5 years later as he said it would prevent lung and chest infections So may be it is another med we need .

[Griff53]

Hi , I have been on septrin for 3+ years.. it is very helpful for WG as it helps a number of things... Chest infection is always a worry due to lung damage but also in my case it gives a good protection for urinary problems..

Going back to what John said about grandchildren passing on bugs,, One of mine has been sent home today with chicken pox,, I was in close contact with him over last weekend and a couple of days ago !!!!!! Fingers crossed.....