How do you know if your Immune systems is normal. Us with RA disease how can we clarifiy this. I feel my immune systems A-Okay. I haven't had a cold in years. I haven't had the flu in 2 decades. But How do you really know.
I am very cautious about keeping my hands clean and making sure that I keep my fingers from my eyes and mouth. This I believe has helped tremendously from me getting colds.
I was in the elevator the other day at the hospital getting ready to go for my infusion shot. When I pressed the button to go to my floor I used my index finger knuckle. There was a lady on the elevator with me she said "I saw that". But I explained to her that I have been doing that for years prior to the swine Flu virus. I also make sure I have a papertowel to open the Bathroom handles wherever I go. If I want to stay healthy and free from colds/Flus and bacteria. I have to take those precautions.
I'm not embarresed to say these things. I just don't want to be hospitalized for maybe something I could prevent.
So Sorry for the rambling,
RA Dx: 1996
Meds: Orencia, Fosamax, Prednisone, Folic Acid Methox
I'm with you Ladybug- I use the same preventative measures -always have always will.
I was always super healthy before RA and now on the immunosuppressante so far- I still am. I wonder if my "SUPER" Immune System is just why I got RA! It's so over active it wants to attack my healthy areas too.
Sounds like you are doing fine Ladybug. Of course, it doesn't hurt to give your immune system a little help. I do this with OPC-3, a powerful antioxidant. It has helped with my allergies most prominently, but also my vision and psorisis. I am told that it also helps RA and joint pain. If you would like more info, just drop me a line.
Be well.
[QUOTE=runmkm] Of course, it doesn't hurt to give your immune system a little help. I do this with OPC-3, a powerful antioxidant. [/quote]
[QUOTE=wanttobeRAfree] I'm with you Ladybug- I use the same preventative measures -always have always will.
[/QUOTE]
That's what my RD said! Many of his patients report getting sick less often once they start treatment for RA. I am definitely one of them. He says our immune systems are over active, and once on the meds they become more organized. Interesting..I too have had far fewer colds and flus since RA.
It seems my whole life I kept catching things. I had every childhood disease ie measles, chickenpox, mumps, even whooping cough and those were ontop of all my ear infections and headcolds and flus of all types (at least 3/year). Not fun for my mom either.
Since RA started, I've only had 3 minor colds and 2 whopping bad flus... in 7 years... a record for me! At least RA is good for something!
I must have had a super immunity from birth. I never got any childhood disease, even though my 5 siblings got ALL of them. (My mom kept forcing me to be in the same rooms as them so I COULD get whatever they had. Didn't work!) The only illnesses I have ever had were a bad kidney infection was I was 17 and chickenpox when I was 18, and a bought of flu about 15 years ago. I will be 45 next month and other than RA, I am healthy as a horse!
I'm like WTB~ I rarely ever catch anything. I can be in a house full of sickies and it never touches me. I was prepared for that to change when I started immunosuppressants, but it never happened. I just don't worry about it anymore.i never get sick and rarely take any extra percautions I think all of u guys are making some sense. i was a sickly child. use to catch flu and cold all the time. 5 years ago everything stopped. I don't cold or even flu. I tried not to take vaccination for flu. LOL no flu, no cold even if my household is sneezing. My immune system is surely overactive and that may be a problemim like some of you. ive had minor colds a few times, and have never actually had the flu. i got the chicken pox when i was like 5, my brother and sister had it. other than that i have always been healthy. i have never been admitted to the hospital. never even go to the ER except back in february when i hurt my back. well and when i was younger cuz i used to have really bad headaches. but other than that i have always been very healthy. in not on any RA meds yet.
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