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Ra meds

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (20)

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@lh17

Thank you so much for the information. I consider your story a positive one and happy you are feeling good. I research and ask questions on many forums I am hearing similar stories in regard to the temporary and long term effects of prednisone. I have decided to take no more than 10mg for 30 days. I will see my doc and discuss options as to the immunosupressant. I have consulted 2 different rhuemotoligists. One wanted me to take pred for 6 weeks and start hydro 400mg, the other 18 days and hold off on hydro. Interesting fact...one male older, one female younger. Can I ask if the meds you are taking effect your ability to fight off infection? I appreciate your response and hope you continue feeling well.

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Replies to "Thank you so much for the information. I consider your story a positive one and happy..."

Thank you for your well wishes, and the same to you! The meds I'm taking are immune suppressants, so in theory, I'm more susceptible to infection. With that said, in the 13 years I've been taking all these meds, I've had no infections from cuts, etc., and really, my overall health has been good. I've had a few colds, had Covid once, just had sinusitis, but nothing really bad. I do take a daily vitamin, vitamin D, flaxseed oil (for my eyes), folic acid (to counteract any possible methotrexate side effects) a bit of magnesium, and the past 6 months I'm taking collagen peptides. I also do not have a spleen, so for me, it's important to stay up to date on vaccines to mitigate or avoid possible illness. As I said, I've been lucky and really have no problematic side effects to vaccines, either. The only exception was the Shingles vax, which made me feel unwell for a couple days. Compared to what I hear Shingles does, well worth it. I'm sure different doctors have different opinions on treatment, and how aggressively to treat your RA, depending on the severity of symptoms. I know some people advocate diet changes, but for me, with how severe my RA was, I was willing to take any risks to feel better. I wish you well, and encourage you to be your own advocate. The disease can make you feel powerless. Find a doctor that listens to you, and stays current on treatment options. Good luck!