Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hello everyone. I'm newly diagnosed and new to the "world" of RA. I've gotten past my fear phase, and am now learning how to cope with having Rheumatoid and Fibromyalgia.

I have a question though...

Right now I am sick. Running a fever - I'm sure I have a sinus infection. Is it common for people with RA to get sick? I keep reading that I should stop taking my medications if I get sick. Is that true?

My doctor didn't answer very many questions for me, though I see her again this Monday, and she's promised to answer questions then.

I am currently taking Plaquenil and Prednisone. Does anyone else get sick frequently?

Most of the drugs we take suppress our immune system, so yes, its easy to get sick and hard to kick it. I try to stay away from situations where I might be exposed to someone who is sick because I just can't deal with being ill on top of the other challenges RA brings to my life. It really depends on what you have, and what you are taking. My doctors have had me discontinue some drugs when I had surgery because they can slow the healing process, but I was not encouraged to stop taking them when I had a cold or flu...I'd ask the doctor. It's nice to meet you, I am fairly new here too.

Nice to meet you Pete. Thanks for your response. I still find RA and the drugs for it fairly confusing, so I've found these forums to be a real God-send. ^_^

I know you probably can't tell by the picture...I am a 'she' petey. My real name is Kim. Petey is a nick I go by online because there are a million Kims...peteyfoozer was my dog. Just thought i would clarify.

It's nice to meet you as well, and i agree, it's nice to have the experience of all these other people to help navigate life with these kinds of challenges.

Oh I'm sorry, Kim! :o Thank you for clarifying for me though. ^_^

Hi RiaMia Welcome and as you have already stated there is plenty of information here to be had.... everyone is friendly too, so any questions ask away!

As far as getting sick... so I have heard but have not experianced yet getting sick easy. I am on mtx since April, so fairly new to RA too, and so far so good (knocking on wood) have not been sick. I am sure someone else will come in and give you their situtations and what they did. Hope you are geeling better soon!

Cindy

Hi RiaMia,

Welcome to our fantastic group. To many of us, it is our RA family. Questions are always welcome, as is sharing your experience in the journey into this RA muddle.

I have been on MTX and Plaquenil for over 2.5 years. So far, no bad side effects. I have not had a problem with getting sick, neither. In all that ime, I only had 1 ear infection and did not have to go off my meds.

I hope that you are feeling better, soon.

Welcome, RiaMia! I also take plaquenil along with methotrexate and orencia. When I have been sick, my rheumy says to stop the methotrexate and orencia, but keep taking the plaquenil.

I'm sure it depends on the severity of sickness, not sure girl but welcome. I'm not new to this, but kinda. Had this 3 years ago, remission but now first flare....stinks, but hopefully your doc will answer you question.

When I was using RAD meds I always had to stop MTX but not plaq. I can't remember about the prednisone.

Be sure and discuss this with doc.

Welcome dear.

Hugs