Q: Rats! Caught a cold and now I have bronchitis!
Sorry you have bronchitis, Leslie. I know you want to continue your Humira, but I believe the GP doc you saw gave you some good advice. Not supposed to take bios when you have an infection, viral or bacterial. Sounds like you have all the meds you need to get better. You don't want the bronchitits to turn into pneumonia. Let us know what your Rheumy says, sweetie. And please let us know how you are doing.
Sending you some virtual chicken soup!
Blessings,
V
It's always hard when you have to stop your RA medications because of an infection. But the truth is, our bodies just don't have it in them to fight off infections when we are taking our medications because they suppress the immune system. So it's always best to call your doctor and ask if you should stop your meds when you have a fever or infection so you don't end up with something worse, like pneumonia.
I almost always end up with a flare after I get rid of an infection and am able to start back on my meds, but the good thing is flares always end sometime, so there is hope on the horizon to feel better all the way around when you listen to what your body needs more.
Take care of yourself and feel better soon!
so sorry to hear that you're having extra health problems. I hope it gets better soon.
It is unfortunate that this is happening relatively early on in taking Humira. When you have taken the medication for while, you can usually skip a dose , without it affectingyou because the medication. In your body. However, Humira takes 2-3 months to reach full strength, so you're just at the beginning of building up the medication. Still, it could be that you're able to delay the dose with not too much impact. I recommend that you call your rheumatologist to ask their advice. Most family doctors here immunosuppressants and get nervous, especially when you have another illness. However, rheumatologists often more relaxed - for instance, mine tells me that unless I am running a fever, I don't have to skip my dose of Humira if I'm not feeling well. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. There is the added wrinkle of you having bronchitis. I suspect your rheumatologist would recommend that you delay Humira until that is dealt with - you don't want to mess with lung issues when you have RA.
When you feel better, talk to your doctor about getting a pneumonia vaccine, as well as a flu vaccine. It's also a good idea to keep your tetanus shot up-to-date. These three vaccines are important tools for people who are on immunosuppressants.
Hang in there - you'll be able to get back on Humira soon area. Please keep us posted on how you do.
Bronchitis is on the mend, finally, so I took my humira last night - none too soon either - getting all achey breaky you know. I'll start my MTX again on Tues. so maybe will be feeling better soon. I'll talk to my GP about a pnemonia shot - already had a flu vaccine. Thanks for the support!
glad to hear you're back on the meds. Keeping my fingers crossed that they'll kick in fast!
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Thanks V! This RA! (I almost feel like that's a swear word sometimes!) It's always 2 steps forward and 1 step back; no, sometimes it's 1 step forward and 2 steps back! What about my MTX? Take it or no? Guess I'm calling my rheumy Monday. It's just so disappointing to have been feeling so well and to wake up and wonder what's going on and what I'm doing in this handbasket!