I have a question about something | Arthritis Information

I am currently being treated for a nose infection.

My doctors have been amazed that this whole time that i have been on prednisone and methotrexate that my white cells have been very very high.

I know with an infection now that it can cause it, but I am a bit confused.... this is why....

Growing up (now 33) i was always getting signs of infections in blood work even though they sometimes couldn't find where the actual infection was, i go the antibiotics and it fixed it.

During this time i also flamed up (wasn't diagnosed with RA yet) they thought it was just a side effect of my infections. The antibiotics fixed it every time for about a year.

for 10 years after my daughter was born i didn't have any kind of infection.

This year, now diagnosed with RA i have the flairs etc. but they can't figure out why my white cells are alway high cuz the meds should throw it down into non-existance.

Do you think I just need a treatment for a while with antibiotics? My docs know how to deal with arthritis, who do i talk to about antibiotics?

I would talk to your GP.

I too have battled infections my entire life (now 28) I have never been able to go any length of time without needing antibiotics. The antibiotics clear up the problem for a while and then I need them again. I have been seeing the same GP for over 10 years now, and he is so familiar with my situation that when I can't make it for an appointment he will call something in for me. The downside of needing so many antibiotics is that your body starts to build a tollerance to them after a while. I can only take the super drugs now, and always make sure it's to the point that I know it's not going to turn around without help. The scary part is that if these antibiotics quit working, I'll be pretty much out of options until they come up with something new.

I know that a rheumatologist's view would be different about an elevated white blood count now because they will try to tie it in with the RA. That is why I would talk to your GP. If your GP does prescribe an antibiotic make sure to keep your Rheumy in the loop and make sure the drugs don't interact.

One question, did the antibiotics help your flares? Because I've had symptoms of RA for years and was just diagnosed this year, but the antibiotics have never helped my symptoms of a flare-up. Just wondering.

I babbled on - & am not sure that I helped any!

Yes, i take the antibiotic and about 1hr later i had to visit the rest room about 10 times cuz water leaves me and i feel great all night.

I have morning problems up until i take the anitbiotic at 4pm again daily, but after that pill i feel great.