Rheumatoid Arthritis, asthma, severe allergies? | Arthritis Information

 

Hi,

I'm obviously new here. :-)

I'm having fairly classic rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a very elevated ra factor level, and a VERY strong family history of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. I don't have an official diagnosis yet... more doctor visits in my future.

I have moderate asthma -- it flares severely when I'm exposed to certain triggers (antiobiotics, colds, certain foods, etc) but is otherwise fairly controllable. I also have some major league allergies, mostly to foods and antibiotics -- I'm allergic to almost all antibiotics, plus soy, nuts, wheat, corn, oats, sesame, tropical fruits.

I'm suspecting the allergy to antibiotics is going to complicate treatment. And the combination of RA and asthma can't be good.

Anyone else out there in a similar boat?
Hi Cy, I don't have asthma but have lots of allergies. I was allergic to three different meds that the RD put me on. I also am allergic to pollen, dust, fur, flowers, and some others I can't think of right now. I wish you luck and hope you get something to help you out soon!Hey, Cygnet.

I'm fortunate in that I don't have many hay fever symptoms, at least. Most of my issues are food, and that, at least, is easier to avoid. (Or pay the price if I don't.)

It's the allergy to antibiotics that really worries me. Right now, my allergist hits me hard and early with prednisone if I have an asthma flare (usually because of a cold) so I don't get a secondary infection from the asthma, and then lets my immune system duke it out with whatever viral crud I have. This generally works fairly well.

If my immune system isn't functioning well enough to deal with the crud, however, and it turns into a bacterial infection anyway ... what then?

(And God forbid I get TB. I'd be toast.)



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