I have a theory..

caprica

I have a strange theory, which I'm sure is total rubbish, but wanted to see if anyone else had thought this.

So, I have this inflammatory polyarthritis thing going on for the past 3 months, and I'll be starting my treatment in 4 weeks. Currently I'm not on anything for it.

I know that mtx and such lower your immune system so you're more prone to colds, infections etc.

And obviously RA is an auto immune disease meaning the immune system has gone bonkers.

I was thinking the other day... I haven't been sick for over a year. Like, not even a cold. I remember I had a sore throat and cough last January. But since then, nada. Ive been around lots of sick people, my flatmates have had various viruses, my office was full of sick people all winter, Ive travelled and not been careful at all, but somehow Ive managed to not pick anything up. And that's quite strange for me, I generally pick up a cold or two a year, nothing major but I am quite prone to a sniffle.

So here comes my theory... My immune system's working in overdrive and I am AMAZING at being healthy, aside from the "small" issue of the arthritis. I could probably rub a thousand snotty tissues all over my face and come out unscathed!!!

lol I am mostly kidding. But yeah, did any of you guys find you were super healthy (aside from the arthritis!) before going on the immune suppressant medication? Or maybe it's just my own very special super-power.

scattered

I can to the same conclusion some time ago. I reckon that the immunosuppressants I take dull my immune system down to 'normal' levels as I have not yet (touch wood) caught a bad infection. Any infection I do get is usually worse than normal and takes longer to clear up, but I don't find I'm getting them more frequently.

babette

Hi

I've got OA, but unlike you my immune system has been cr*p allmy life, I catch every possible bug going. So far in the past three months I've had the cold 4 times, I have a permanent sniff and what the doc calls post nasal drip. It's not the meds I'm on because I only take the occasional diclofenac when the prickling and spasming in my back gets too much. I am so jealous of your amazing immune system as I NEVER EVER feel 100% well, even on a good day it probably only about 75%. Lucky you!! I truly hope that the RA meds you are going to be taking don't depress your immunity, and that you remain healthy; apart from Arthur that is.

Best Wishes

B x

salamander

I read somewhere, once, that people who get lots of infections, colds, etc. actually have a very active immune system.

I've always been very prone to all sorts of respiratory track infections/shingles etc. So my theory is that my immune systems has always been over active and it's now got to the point of not being able to switch itself off. Since I've been on steroids and mtx I've had no fewer than 5 colds/viral infections/chest infections - and that is only six months!

skezier

Hi Caprica,

Not sure if I fit your theory I have a compromised immune system before the sulfa. I have only had one cold in the last 12 months though...... I got it last April/May and its been reinfecting its self ever since every 7-10 days but just recently its been getting to every 5 - 7 days........ Mind its possible I am a bit run down I guess. Cris x

lindalegs

Hi Caprica,

I fit your theory as I havent had a cold in nearly two years now (touch wood ) although I've been round alot of peeps who have. I can't remember a time before that when I had one either.

I'm also on Mtx albeit a low dose, so even if you do take immuno supressants it doesn't mean you're necessarily in for every bug around. (Sorry for those of you who are prone :oops: )

Luv Legs

fourferrets

I too fit your theory. Have been on mtx since Jan 2008 and haven't been ill (apart from joint pain of course).

The way I got my head to work it out was that RA causes the bodies immune system to over-react, the mtx just brings it down to nearer normal levels.