I'm in a pickle & brand new to the forum.

DebbieT

Hello,

I'm hoping for some advice as I seem to be in a right pickle I'll give some background first as it may help anyone who is kind enough to reply.

I have Osteoarthritis, severe Plaque Psoriasis, Fibromyalgia & Psoriatic Arthritis. Due to the differing conditions I'm on a large amount of meds but for Psoriatic I take 25mg Methotrexate, 2 x 5mg Folic Acid, paracetamol & Ibuprofen ... The Methotrexate is to treat my Psoriasis too.

I've never had 'normal' bloods since I've been on mtx. (I was put on Sulphasalazine too but it didn't agree with me) My white cell count is always high as are all the swelling markers but they now class them as 'my normal'.Lol

My problem right now is that I have had 4 chest infections in 4 months, each one has been treated the 1st week with Amoxicillin & the 2nd week by an antibiotic that starts with D (So sorry I can't remember the name of them). I finished the last course on Wednesday just gone & today I've woken with yet another chest infection My sputem (I suppose thats the least gross way of saying wot im bringing up.lol) is green again & 2 days ago It was clear. I use Seretide for mild asthma. With having Fibro (FM) & Psoriasis steroids are avoided with me.

So to my pickle (At last, sorry!!)

I'm starting to think that the mtx are playing a big part in the repeated chest infections & there in lays my pickle!! If I was to be taken off of them what else could I be likely to be treated with? I'm having breakthrough Psoriasis even on this dose & wen I had Glandular Fever 2 yrs ago & had to stop it to protect my liver I ended up covered from scalp to feet in very thick & painful plaques as well as pustular psoriasis on my palms & inverse psoriasis in all of my creases. I was in a right state, the pain on top of the arthritises & FM pain was indescribable

I think there are other meds that will treat both Psoriasis & Psoriatic but I dont think they're used often because of the cost. All I know for sure is I can't carry on being constantly ill & on antibiotics.

Any suggestions or thoughts will be gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Debbie.x

dibdab

From one Debbie to another-hello!!

I have RA and whilst on methotrexate had constant chest infections (8 in 12 weeks)- until I finally ended up with damaged lungs. I stopped the meth and tried other drugs, and am about to try meth again because it gave me great results with the joint pain. In the meantime my rheumy referred me to a respiratory consultant who prescribed daily antibiotics to prevent the infections- maybe this could be a way forward for you?

In the meantime, sending lots of positive thoughts in your direction because I remember just how frustrating the constant chest infections are, and how debilitating. Hope you get the help you need soon.

Deb x

dreamdaisy

Hello, I am in a very similar pickle. I have PsA and I'm on injected humira, injected meth and sulph for that. I have stopped the meth and humira for the time being as I am battling with what I thought was a chest infection (the GP gave me antibios) but on getting worse I was sent to our local hospital. They decided I have a viral upper respiratory infection which has triggered my asthma (hence my coughing et). I've now stopped th antibios and am taking 40mgs of pred for the next two days.

My hospital has always told me to stop my meth etc when I have a sore throat. This allows my immune system to fire up to help fight off any bugs. I have always followed this advice and always will. I spent years trying different drug combinations and the current triple therapy is the 'best' so far inasmuch as my bloods are lovely but my joint damage is too far gone for any true benefit to be felt. I am not troubled that much by the skin trouble (I think that is well-controlled by the sulph and meth) but each and every one of us is different in how our version of arthritis affects us, in which meds help or hinder, and in how long it takes us to find the right meds for us. They are all much of a muchness but some work better than others. It's finding those which is a struggle at times.

I have to go as I have a headache (despite the copious amounts of water I'm drinking to ease my throat!) and my concentration is not too good. I'll be back later. Take care and I wish you well. DD

DebbieT

Hello Deb & DD,

Thank you both so much, I wasn't sure whether to post or not but I'm really glad I did!!

I've only ever been told to stop taking meth during the GF, It was an awful time for me. I will ask my GP about stopping it, I'm hoping to see her on Monday & then I see my Dermatologist for my 3 month review on Tuesday.

DD I am so so sorry ure going thru so much at the moment!! (((Hugs))) I hope ure bad head clears asap.
I get migraines from Cervical Spondulosis from the PsA. I wonder if that is a possible connection for you too?!

Deb thats awful!! I'm having a chest xray on Wednesday, I'm hoping for the best but always prepare for the worst too. I'm stunned things went so far for you that it led to lung damage ... Can it be helped or improve for you?

My husband thinks I need to see a specialist too, I may push for the referral after reading both of ure replies!! :shock:

I've never heard of Humira? Does that treat PsA & Psoriasis I wonder ... More research is in my future I think :? Lol

I do wonder if this has been one really long infection that settles then flares?

I am really lucky pain wise with my arthritis as I take SR Tramadol & SR Buprenorphine patches due to the FM pain & get injections wen needed from my Rheumatologist. I've only had a few xrays done since being diagnosed so I've no idea if the mtx has slowed/stopped more damage being done.

I feel really guilty that I seem to be so lucky with my arthric pain at the moment, Sorry!!

Thank you both again.

Debbie.x

barbara12

Hello Debbie
I am so glad you posted, some times its not easy...
But I am sorry I cant offer any advice has I have OA,but I am a good listener .. I see the others have given you some good advice, so you stay with us, it will help you to talk to people that understand some of what you are going through....hope you get rid of the awful chest infections very soon..x

DebbieT

Awww, that's so kind of you. Thank you very much Barbara

It is lovely to be able to talk to & read about others suffering & surviving with these wicked invisible illnesses!! It is very hard for non sufferers to understand how hard it can be. I'm glad I had a brave day & took the plunge

Thanks again & take care.

Debbie.x

barbara12

You are very welcome..and if you pop into chitchat we have a cafe..were we like to meet up and see what each other is up to...and best of all calorie free food...yes we are mad but it does help...

DebbieT

Lol I lost the plot a while ago so my padded cell should fit in nicely.Ha ha

I think a cheeky vodka & coke disguised as a latte may be needed soon

Thanks Barbara.x