Bad flu symptoms and Rheumatoid arthritis

VictoriaPlum

Hi did anyone have really bad flu symptoms, or still get them and have been diagnosed with RA?

I'm seeing Rheumy on 26th Oct but GP said I almost certainly have RA as RF abnormal and CCP really high.

But it feels like I have a very bad virus and i have a low grade temperature. My head and ears throb and feel really full and I'm very achey and dizzy, shortness of breath, plus nauseous sometimes. Is it possible I just have a virus?

So can't wait to see the specialist. Going nuts. Going to have to go back to GP moro.

dreamdaisy

Oh dear, poor you, that doesn't sound good. I am glad you are seeing the doctor tomorrow, he is best placed to help you. It is entirely possible to contract viruses despite having RA (or any other sort of A). Take care, keep warm and hydrated and please let us know what he says. DD

traluvie

Sorry to hear your not feeling too good..
Hopefully the trip to the doctors tomorrow can sort things for you, even if it is just answers..
Wish you well, let us know how you get on..x

cacyhi

Hi Vicki Plum

When I have had a flare up, thats how I feel. However one of my main triggers for a flareup has always been getting a cold or flu first. Hence why I always have the flu jab and the pneumonia one. Although I have the kind of RA that comes and goes and I have been in remission for a few years, tests apparently showed that I have two anitbodies missing and one mutant one (whatever that means)
I have lots of issues with allergies because of the effect this has on my immune system overall and I also have vitiligo which has come, repigmented itself years later, and now come back with a vengance in the last few years. I have side effects to everything that no-one else does!!!

You know at the end of the day, we are all different even if we are dagnosed with the same condition - it is always different for everyone. The best thing is to be certain you ask all the questions you want to when you see the specialist, even if they dont have the answers. I wish you the very b est of luck and look forward to hearing how you get on. take care.

lalla

Oh what a rotton time you are having hope GP can give you some answers, let us know how you got on (((((gentle)))))) take care Linda

skezier

Hi Victoria,

hope you got on well with the gp?

when i flare thats exactly how i feel... really flu like and unwell but equally it could be a virus for you this time.

i hope they will soon see you and get the crp under control. keep in touch and nice to meet you. Cris x

julie47

Hi victoria

Hope you managed to see the gp today
and that he could help.

Keep warm and plenty of drinks.
Love juliepf x

suzygirl

Hi, I have to agree with the others when flaring, it feels as if I am coming down with the flu. Also coming down with a virus causes a flare.

I really really hope your gp has been able to help you. All the best for your rheumy appt as well.

VictoriaPlum

Thanks guys. Doctor signed me off for 10 days and seeing specialist next weds. I don't know if it's because I'm ill but I feel so guilty and paranoid what's that all about? I'm just not comfortable being signed off work even though I can't work I know I can't carry on. I think it's because it's all so scary too
x

suzygirl

Hi, its the exhaustion it gets to you. I used to feel like that and still do to acetrtain extent when I flare. Not sure if it because I am young(ish) :oops: or just my nature.

Rest up and you will soon feel better, its time to concentrate on yourself

purplestorm

Victoria,

I get flu symptoms all the time when im bad thats when I know my levels are sky high and Im gonna have a bad spell. My Doc sends me for steriod flushes at hospital (3 over a 6 day period). Its soooo hard but try to keep your chin up and fight through they do go away!


x

cacyhi

Hi Vickie Plum - of course you are scared, who wouldnt be if they were in your position? Most of us have been there at some time or another. Its not just about the physical - its the psychological and emotional I think |ve found hardest to deal with. You could always ask your gp to refer you to a counselling service or see if there is anywhere you could self refer. One thing I do know (which is probably why the forum is so popular) you dont always want to talk about your fears with your other half, parents, kids etc and sometimes they dont want to hear it either. Take care and rest in your days off now until next wednesday

Mat48

Hi Victoria, just to say I'm in a similar boat and it seems to be a rocky journey to locate done answers. I'm a bit ahead of you as have seen a rheumy once and no conclusion yet.

I feel yiuck tonight -maybe a cold or flu maybe a flare? I don't know this well enough yet - mostly it's just pain or ache or both for me. This forum is the best place to seek solace and support from people who have also suffered similar stuff - all are wonderful here.

Tonight my head aches and I'm all hot and cold and full of misery - don't know a pattern yet because only just getting used to feeling rubbish as well as pain but I believe the flu-like thing is very common in RA and other inflammatory arfers- and one of the listed symptoms. Guess if you treat it like flu then if it goes you'll know it was just a virus but if it stays..? I don't normally feel flu like but tonight I do and am also racked with joint pain and nausea/ headache. Hard to work out what is what but that bit I'm getting used to. I just want to know what's going on that's the main thing but I'm trying to come to terms with the possibility that it's not that straight foward and uncertainty might carry on and on. That's the worst bit really - not knowing? Good luck. Mat

petals

Hi Vicky

I have just had 2 weeks off work sick. I had a flareup after overdoing things at work and found that my hands and wrists were too painful to carry on working.

The first few days I just felt very tired and achey and so rested up but by the fourth day I had developed a very high temperature and dreadful pain in my back and side.

I suspected that it was something to do with the RA but I visited the GP who diagnosed a kidney infection. She started me on antibiotics. I was so pleased I had gone to the GP to get this sorted as it had become extreamly painful. I was soon on the mend and back at work however that is another story. I now have to attend a disiplinary meeting next Monday because of my abcense percentage (15.1% over 26 weeks)

What a pain this is, I could just give up and retire for two pins. Trouble is, we look so normal in between flares but when they strike, oh boy we are far from normal. (sorry for the winge)

Hope you are feeling better

Petals