Colds and RA

kickyloo
kickyloo Member Posts: 66
edited 7. Nov 2009, 12:07 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,

I'd been making great progress recently; minimal pain, going to aqua-fit, walking, cooking and starting to plan a return to work. I've been on hydroxychloriquine for 3 weeks and am phasing down off steroids (currently on 8mgs reduced from 20mgs).

But then I caught a cold and it's really knocked me for six. The terrible pain has come back in my joints. I'd forgetten how bad it was! I feel like I've gone back to square one. I'm struggling to do things like cooking, and even making myself a drink because my hands and fingers hurt. The pain is making me cry out.

Does this happen to other people? Do bugs make RA flare up? People say my immune system is low because of the medicine I'm on, which means I'm more likely to catch a bug. Is this right?

I feel like I faught so hard to get to that 'well' point, I was making so much progress and now I'm not sure I've got the energy to fight it again. Any advice?

Comments

  • c4thyg
    c4thyg Member Posts: 542
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kickyloo

    RA is an autoimmune type of arthritis so you will find (unfortunately) that every time you get an infection your immune system will also attack your joints. Of course, many treatments are immunosuppressants as well meaning that it is easier to catch an infection. Saying that, your meds won't be causing the flare. What good would they be as meds if they did!?! But they will make you susceptible to infection which is where the connection lies. I know it sucks but you are not alone. The key is to try and avoid getting ill, especially from viruses. I find this difficult which a 3 year old who likes to share literally everything but I keep telling myself that she will get older and hopefully understand that I have to avoid infection.

    I know that lots of people with autoimmune problems take daily vitamin supplements to try and stave off colds. I haven't noticed a lot of difference but we are all different and many swear by it. Maybe it's worth a try?

    I hope you are feeling better soon. In the meantime rest up all you can to let your body fight the infection. Soon it will be a memory.

Categories