Welcoming in the new year with a nasty cold

alarkra

Hey everyone!

Firstly - HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's hope that this one is better than the last hey?

Secondly, I have done so well to avoid getting the nasty flu that's been going round and was very thankful not to have it over Christmas (first year in living memory actually). However, as of last night, seem to have been struck down with a nasty cough and fluy symptoms. So, my question is, as I know for a fact that with my RA and the cocktail of meds I'm on makes me take longer to fight the 'common cold', does anyone have any good tips on how to fight it as effectively as possible? I'm on minimum dosage of paracetamol as it upsets my stomach, but using it to try and calm the fever. Any pointers from those of you in the know would be great... just want to know what works for you lovely people as we are all in the same kind of boat. 8)

Oh and lastly, I've been brusing like a peach recently (to the point my parents asked me who had grabbed me hard around the arms..!) anyone get this from taking mtx, sulpha, hydrox and/or meloxicam? The bruises don't really hurt, just look like I've taken a beating - my knees are black with them at the moment! Happy to take this side effect compared to being unable to move with chronic RA symptoms, just curious as to weather I'm special in getting these side effects or if there's some club I'm allowed to join?!

Sending out love and happy hugs to you all for 2011. xx

julie47

Hi alarkra
Happy new year to you too

sorry you have come down with the terrible cold that is flying round.
I also keep trying to dodge it and at the moment adding garlic and onions to alot of my meals. (probably doesn't help but hey if i makes me happy) also drinking fresh orange.
I suppose all you can do is rest and drink plenty of fluids.
hope you are better soon
take care
juliepf x

jillyb1

Hi , Alarka , sorry to hear you feel so poorly . I too am constantly covered in bruises and look as if I've been a few rounds with David Haye - pause to muse on that thought - my rheumy put it down to being just one of those things , so rather than worry ; it's become a family game of spot todays new bruises ! Jilly

speedalong

HI Alarkra, sorry you have caught the cold from hell - there are SO many bugs around at the moment ... Hope you feel better soon and get to the bottom of the bruising too.

Speedy

alarkra

Hello!

Thanks for the support! )

Today I feel like I have woken up in August 2010, when I was just coming out of my bad immobilising flare... if anything, this cold/cough has taught me that getting poorly while you have RA is NOT AN OPTION! So I shall be vallient and fight on through and will rebel by watching feel-good movies and hug the dogs... I'm not going to let this cold ruin my Sunday! :green

dreamdaisy

If you are on meth find out if you should stop it for a week, in order for your immune system to fire up a little and fight off the bug. Otherwise keep warm, keep hydrated and keep yourself distracted from it all. Rest and sleep as much as you can and remember it will pass - all things do. If you haven't had a flu jab then it might be an idea to enquire - I have had one every year for longer than I care to remember and rarely get colds. I wish you well - feel better soon! DD

PS I know the colours are fun but I can't read your green bits - if I have ignored anything important I apologise. DD

dorcas

Hi Alarka and a happy New Year to you too.

I hope that you're managing to shake off that nasty cold and feeling a little better today?

I've not had unexplained bruising but thought that it was something that should be reported to rheummy. (depending on the meds you're on) and that they would then do bloods to check on your platelets count? would do no harm to give rheummy a ring.. when they're open for business that is!.

Iris xxx

ps... tea with honey is a nice soothing drink when you're suffering with a cold.

dreamdaisy

I forgot the bruises, I am covered in 'em, in my case it's to do with the pred. They appear of their own accord, mostly on my legs: my skin looks like porridge dotted with blueberries. This is the major reason for aiming to wean myself off it this year. DD

alarkra

Hey hey hey!

Well, feel worse now, raging temperature to add insult to it all. I have had the flu jab back in November so managed to avoid the flu for Christmas, but it's so easy to pick up things when one is broken like us. However, I'm hoping that it's not going to continue to get worse. Been passed out in a groggy sleep most of the afternoon.

As for the mtx, I have taken 1/2 the dose today as I'm reluctant to stop it - of course no one is around to check as the hospital is closed until the 4th (helpful!) so I figure if I spread it out a bit, then it won't hit me as hard as usual, as I am starting to cease up anyway, I'm very reluctant to stop it for a week as can't face going backwards...

As for the bruises - from your feedback, it makes me feel not particularly concerned, just find it rather entertaining to a point. Hoping that it's actually just due to being a bit more active
P.S. Will stick to blue, black, red and dark pink in future DD 8)