Low immune system

heather1
heather1 Member Posts: 75
edited 5. Oct 2009, 11:49 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all

I was wondering if taking meds on a long term basis weakens the immune system?
I seem to catch bugs really easily.
I have got over a bout of Gastroenderitis and now have a stinking cold.

What do you think?

Comments

  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, Some of the ra meds do, I think but someone experienced with this will be along soon I sure and they will be able to tell you. I hope you feel better soon, sounds like you'r going through the mill!

    Love Sue
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think it all depends on the medication you are taking.

    I take methotrexate and Leflunomide which are both disease modifying drugs (DMARDS) and they work by supressing the immune system. So I am more susceptible to infections, and also have less ability to fight them off.

    other meds work in different ways, so it is hard to say how you might be affected.

    do you take DMARDs?
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    When I was diagnosed with the Polymyalgeria Rheumatica 12 months ago, I was put on a sliding scale dosage of steroids. I am now on a caretaking dose of steroids 2.5 mg daily. PMR stays in your system and causes a degree of weakness allthe time so if I was to come off this dosage, the PMR would come back with a vengence.
    What I have found though, is that I do not get the number of bad colds and viruses as I use to get because of the steroids. If I were to stop them then my immune system would plumit and I would catch colds and viruses easily.

    Any form of arthritis attacks the immune system
    I have found that for myself a few courses of Vitamins helps like ROse Hip, Turmeric, Vitamin D3. I also take Glucosamine & Omega 3.
    I don't know if you are close to children, who bring lots of viruses home from school, but that doesn't help either.
    If I hear from my DIL that my grandchildren have colds, I stay away. for awhile. Don't take risks
    joy
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Joy, I entirely agree about the steroids, but I've been on such a high dose for so long that they have more or less destroyed my immune system.
    I did get 'flu a few years ago and thought my last hours had come! Not only that, but having managed to reduce the Pred to 5mg daily I had to go back up to 30mg and start all over again. I've just had my 'flu jab in the hope it will help (I've had one each year since it happened. So far, so good).
    The jolly old steroids have now given me severe osteoporosis of the spine, so it looks as if I will have to wean off them and replace them with something else, but the burning question is what? I have an appointment with the Rheumy next week and as it gets closer, I'm getting more and more nervous - it's not like me at all, but so much seems to hang on this appointment.
    Oh - due to gastric problems I can't take the usual bone protectors, so my options are rather limited.
    Hey ho
    Annie

Categories