Infections

Ellise55

Hi. This is my first post. I wonder if you can advise me. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogrens Syndrome and possibly other autoimmune disease not diagnosed. I get a lot of infections and was supposed to go on immuno-suppressants but have had both Covid Pneumonia and other nasty infections. What treatment can I have as I don't want to go on immuno-suppressants now as I am too frightened of getting more.

Naomi33

Hello @Ellise55 and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis I sadly to have RA and am learning to live with the condition and medication. I am a not better but getting used to dealing with it which is hard and adjusting my life around it sadly.

I am however not familiar with SS but will endeavour to look for links which may help you.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/sjoegrens-syndrome/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

Please keep posting as I am sure others will share their experiences with you.

Best wishes @Naomi33

helpline_team

Hi @Ellise55

Thank you for posting on our Online Community, we are sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with both Rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome, it must be very challenging for you.

Thank you @Naomi33 for adding those links for further information.

Often people do choose not to go down the route of taking Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for their autoimmune condition, they choose to manage their condition with exercise and often complementary treatments which is the individuals choice.

For Sjogren's this is a condition as well as other symptoms can cause your eyes and mouth to become dry, so lubricating eye drops can be used, speak to your Healthcare practitioner for advice on the right one for you. Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also help with the pain, steroids, also known as corticosteroids, can be used to treat some of the symptoms, but they won’t change the condition itself.

Exercise and keeping to a healthy diet can also help to manage your conditions and a complementary supplement such as Omega fish oil, through trial can help with Rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to get professional advice before taking these.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/fish-oils/

https://nras.org.uk/resource/hydroxychloroquine/

https://sjogrens.org/understanding-sjogrens/symptoms

Best wishes

Chris (Helpline Advisor)