Illness & Meds-Cut Back? | Arthritis Information

 

I feel like I'm fighting off my first cold in a very, very long time.  I just don't catch viruses like I used to years ago.  I wonder if it's just a coincidence that this happened the week I'm on the maximum dosage of MTX and also on injectible, which gives me more medicine and therefore, I think, suppressing my immune system more.  When I first started these meds and asked my RD about illness and meds he said not to stop the MTX unless I develop some sort of serious infection, which I don't have.  But I have to admit, I'm tempted to cut down on my MTX dose, due today, or maybe skip one of the Plaquenil, so my immune system can fight this cold before it becomes full blown.  It started with a dry cough and then last night a sore throat, which is gone now.  So it's just the cough and a tiny bit of congestion.  I think I can head this off if I cut back on the meds, just a little.  Have any of you ever done this or considered it?  Would it be a major mistake?  Jesse882008-03-16 06:09:49Jesse, I was Dxed with pneumonia at urgent care last month ( which I don't think I had) anyway I ran high fever for a day or so they requested that I return in 3 days. I went back feeling better asked If I should take Mtx they said it would be ok. when I told Rd about it they never said I shouldn't have taken it, although they always want to know if I have had any infection.  Jesse,

Please don't mess with your meds without speaking to your RD.  Get some CLEAR guidelines on what to do when you have a cold, or any other illness. 

IMO, you are playing dr. way too much with your meds.  You will probably see better results and not have near as many problems if you let your dr's do their job and follow their directions instead of always wanting to change things on your own. 

Phats

Yeah, techniqually it's OK to stay on the meds, I'm sure, since I don't have a fever and I don't think there's any infection.  Just some coughing and a congested feeling in the chest.  I guess I'm just afraid that if I don't stop some of the suppression of these drugs, the cough/cold will turn into something nasty.  But, it's true, I'm no doctor so maybe I should leave it alone.  I've never stopped the MTX or even missed a dose and as for the Plaquenil, I only cut back on that dose after discussing it with my RD.  He thought I'd probably start getting some pain back and he was right, but said it was OK to try.  So, I've never messed with my meds without my doctor's approval and never even considered it before today.  The problems I have don't have anything to do with changing my medication on my own.   I guess the additional MTX and the lousy reaction I had to it last week is causing me some concern.  I seem to remember some people here posting that they couldn't get rid of certain health problems until they stopped the MTX.  Maybe I'm putting the horse before the cart here and should just keep the meds going and hope for the best.  Jesse, you take your meds today, right?  If it makes you feel better, just wait a day and call your doctor tomorrow.  One day won't mess up your schedule and you'll probably feel better about it in the end.Jesse,

I thought you were the one who wanted to stop your Pred early?  Maybe I have you confused with someone else, though I'm pretty sure it is you. 

I'm just saying to talk to your dr. and find out what he/she wants you to do. 

Phats

Oh, and one more thing...I have ALWAYS stayed on my MTX, even with bronchitis, strep throat and a double ear infection.  But, that is what my dr. said to do.  Check with your dr.

PhatsYes, Phats, that was me, but I talked to the RD and he said yes, if it hadn't stopped the ringing in my ears after taking it for several days, it wasn't going to help and to stop. I asked for information and opinions here, but I didn't stop until the RD gave his OK. He confirmed my thought that it's better not to stay on a drug if it's not helping, especially one as potent as prednisone.  I like to talk to the veterans here who often give me good information, but I know they're not medical doctors.  I have found, though that experience counts for so much, and there have been times when I've gotten better, more complete information here than from the doctor.  At the very least, the information I get here allows me to ask the right questions when I am able to get hold of him.  Many of us here do the same.  It's not "playing" with the meds.  It's serious questions about a serious issue. Sometimes after I take the MTX I feel like I'm coming down with something, so it just might be the effect of a lot of MTX.

Really?  That's very interesting.  I certainly felt different after taking the injection than I did with the pills, and not in a good way.  Maybe that's it and I just need time to adjust to the higher, more potent dose. 
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