AS & COVID

pianoforte

Hello everyone, I've got Ankylosing Spondiloarthritis and I've just contracted COVID. I'm on immunosuppressors and can't get hold of my rheumatogist fir advice. I'm feeling increasing unwell with high temperature and achy body. I would need to know if I should carry on or pospone my medication. Any advice, pls? Many thanks.

chrisb

Hi @pianoforte,

I hope you receive some useful input from forum members. You may also wish to contact our helpline, contact details below.

Best wishes

ChrisB (Moderator)

jamieA

Hi @pianoforte

Depending on what drugs you are on you may be eligible for anti-virals. I'm on both methotrexate and adalimumab biologic. I received a letter details what to do in the event of contracting covid giving a number to call in that event to arrange to be seen and given antivirals. If all else fails I think you need contact your GP.

I hope you get some form of treatment.

pianoforte

Thank you! I'll persevere. Quite frustrating though.

pianoforte

Hello, I've followed your advice and managed to get in touch with a doctor through the Anima NHS app. Thank you. I am now taking antiviral tablets but the doctor couldn't advise me on whether I should stop or carry on my immuno suppressor tablets. As I haven't had any call back from the rheumatology department, I'm in limbo, wondering what to do. I should be taking the methotrexate on Sundays, 20g once a week but as antiviral have the opposite effect, they should booster my immune system to help fight the virus, I don't know what to do. Tricky. Any advice from your experience? Many thanks.

JenHB

I'm on 25mg methotrexate weekly and 200mg hydroxychloroquine daily. I had covid in July so was also then given Paxlovid antivirals and was told to miss my MTX that week but to continue with the hydroxychloroquine

pianoforte

Many thanks for your comment on your experience. I have not taken the methotrexate tablets, yesterday.

Kevin123456

hi I have had covid a couple of times. I had great difficulty getting through to my Rheumatology help line. Eventually got through on both times and told to miss methotrexate on both occasions. If in the future I get ill again I’m going to be in touch with GP that’s if I can get through. 😜. Oh forgot to say first comment on here ! My names Kevin. Psoriatic arthritis,Osteoarthritis,Degenerative spinal disease, Fibromyalgia. 👍

MaryL44

Hello  @Kevin123456 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

Our website is a mine of information so do look at it.

Also, our community members will have vast experience so do keep checking here for their advice.

Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Mary