Because of the immune problem I am even contemplating waiting until I get back to add Embrel to the mix. I honestly don't believe in living in a bubble and am definately not a worrier, but these meds really make you think before you make plans. Especially because I have breathing problems as well. Could those of you who have been in this situation write me your opinions. The children are wonderful and say if I don't go there they will come to me. But, I know it would be so much easier for everyone if I made the trip. Thanks for your help! my opinion...go. as to whether to wait and start enbrel after your trip
or not...i dunno...i'd say it depends on how you feel, and how your doc
feels...discuss waiting with him. even ask him for tips on flying
safely if you think flying would take less of a toll on you
physically than driving...i know for me if it is between flying or
driving, i choose flying. much quicker, less physical toll on
me...but that's me.
do you in all honesty feel up to a drive? that's one big
question! and if not, but you still want to make the trip...how
can it be made safer since you are on immunosuppressives? maybe
the option of wearing a protective mask (how michael jackson of you!)
would help a bit...i dunno.
sorry i am not much hellp here. but maybe i gave you some food for thought.
hugs, wayney
Thanks Karen...I really appreciated hearing from you. Hope you are feeling well.
First of all, don't put off your life because you have RA and are taking meds that lower you immune system. You are going to run the risk of getting an infection every day, so just take precautions as you normally would. I have flown many times and never gotten sick from the "recycled" air but I do know that it is possible to do. If it took you a month to get over a "bug", you were possibly treating the bug wrong. Your fatigue is going to be there. Although I have never taken such, I believe some people on these boards are being treated for that also. Anyway, just use some common sense about not putting yourself in a situation where you could possibly pick something up. Good Luck and Enjoy!
Allen
Allen..your words sound so familiar. It is just the way I have always lived and I have had a wonderful life! But living with these meds is a new experience. I lived with prednisone and was really never concerned about my immune system. But, now I am older and these drugs are really powerful. To be honest maybe I am more concerned because I am dealing with other serious health problems (other than my RA) right now. And, I feel apprehensive at adding another problem to the mix if I can prevent it. Make sense? Thank you for your input!
Susan, I'm still somewhat new to RA. I must say that other than RA pain and related stuff, this past year has been better than most regarding colds and the usual annual bugs. Maybe I'm an anomaly, but with all the meds, seems to me I'm a bit more immune? I may have to travel overseas in a few weeks and I'm not going to worry about it. Take the standard precautions and enjoy!
Mike
I teach school.. and we all know that what goes through the school usually gets the teachers... i have been on MTX for a while now and started enbrel in Feb. The only thing i got was that bronchitis crud thats been going around.. and i got it after school was out for the summer!!!!
Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and stay away from people outwardly sick... LIVE... GO... deal with it when and IF you get sick...
Have fun.. and I would fly... i have flown a few times since starting enbrel.. once to GA and once to FL! Good luck!
I agree with Unicorn 100%. Fly. Have fun. Be careful. Be aware of sick people around you. And let me add, before trip take some Airborne. (invented by a teacher, available at any drug store.) I swear by the stuff.
The idea of sitting in a car for hours/days would terrify me, given the RA. Couldn't possibly. Anyway, if you're gong to pick some bug up, you could pick it up anywhere. Every time you stop for gas or a soda, someone sick could have touched something you touch. You can't be like Howard Hughes in The Aviator. Look how he ended up.
The reason I fly is because I can't stand to be in the car that long. I get too stiff including my fingers if I'm the one doing the driving. Next year my husband and I are planning a 25th wedding aniversary and as usual, we are flying.
Good luck and take care!
I flew right past many of the responses to this post because I don't have much time right now; but I wanted to give you my feelings on the subject.
I take MTX & Humira. I totally understand your concerns; but I'm determined not to let this disease steal all my life. I try to go about my normal routine and change as little as possible. It's my opinion that this disease is so unpredicatable. I don't want to waist one single day...or miss out on even one special event if I can in anyway make it.
I think in the back of my mind I know that one day It might be physically impossiable for me to do the things I want to do. I'm determined I'm not going to start living my life that way right now.
That time will come soon enough. Do all you can now; so you won't have any regrets later.
I have recently been sick myself. It came on after a slight cold...and then a family vacation in Mexico. As sick as I've been over the last few weeks I wouldn't change a thing. The fun I had with my family made it all worth it in my opinion.
I'd just like to point out, that even if RA worsens to a point (like me) in wheelchair now and hands pretty useless....I still do alot. I just do it in a different way. Or do it from a wheelchair. Maybe not hiking, running, etc. but it's amazing what I can still do, with a little extra help from friends. I even have new things to do...new interests. So, life does not come to a stop, if you do happen to be one of those that worsen. I'm still happy and glad to be alive.
Now if I can just get rid of that rooster! Hula you are too funny! Amazing too!
Lulu Being afraid is a terrible thing. I'm afraid too. (Arthoscopic knee surgery Wed has me terrified). To cope with fear of catching an illness do reasonable things to prevent it. Get enough rest. Take a multi vitamin everyday. Avoid obviously ill people. Get some hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have cleaned your hands. Carol Channing the actress swabbed her nose with Neosporin when flying. I did too when that bad flu was in China and Canada a couple of years ago. Don't let your fears stop you. Go ahead and live your life! Hey Susan, I've always said "Life is the trip" please take it. You will deal with all other things as you go along. Of course, exercise caution but live, see, feel, touch, breathe as best as you can. You never know when you will get the next chance. If it makes you feel more comfortable to start the new medication when you get back then do it if the Rd says it's ok, otherwise have a wonderful trip! Jackie Carol Channing the actress swabbed her nose with
Neosporin when flying. I did too when that bad flu was in China and
Canada a couple of years ago.
Hmm never heard of that before....sounds like a good idea...anyone know
how effective it is? I'll be flying to San Diego in December OR for
Easter...I may try it.
My husband cleans the chicken for me...it makes me sick to clean a
chicken with the stuff in it (all in my head)...but with the salmonella
possiblility, he cleans them for me.
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