I have a severe bout of bronchitis and pleurisy - horrible horrible horrible!
And I'm wondering if others with RA have had this before... I suspect my
immune system is cracking up due to the prednisone and MTX I take, so
I'm wondering if I should expect more illnesses in the future....
Yep yep, we are more susceptible to everything when we are on pred and/or mtx since they like to suppress our immune systems. Way back in October of last year I got pneumonia. Then I got a viral syndrome from being on the pred.
Tons of rest and tons of fluids. Also finish any atni biotics the doc gives to you. If you don't take a multi vitamin, you should think about starting to take one. Ever since I started it has helped and I have been avoiding some of the nastiness that is going around. I did get the latest virus, but not as badly as I expected and it didn't turn into pneumonia like the doc thought it might.
THANKS! I will definitely start taking a multi-vitamin from now on. I neverI had a real bad bout with it a little over a year ago and have not been sick since then. OR at least not sick like that. Everyone in my family has been sick with various things....but I've avoided it for whatever reason. I did get the Flu shot this year and I think that's helped me avoid the Flu bug that ran through my house in December and Jan.
Don't just assume you're going to get sick more often because of the meds. In my opinion that just attracts things. Stay positive. You might get sick.....but you have a good chance that you won't. There was a thread here last week where several of us where talking about how we rarely got sick and I was amazed at how many didn't despite some of what you hear can happen.
Good Luck. I hope this will pass soon and you'll be back up to speed quickly.
OH~you are off MTX while treating these infection aren't you? Some doctors have conflicting opinions of coming off MTX, but I've learned through trial and error that I get better faster when I'm off the meds verses on. I've tried both and it takes twice as long to get well when I've continued my meds. Predisone is likely to be helpful during an illness such as this though.
Bronchitis does hit me really hard since I got RA and it hit me hard bad enough before. My doc always takes me off the biologicals and the MTX. Definitely talk to your Doc about it. You do need to have a physical examination when you get symptoms of a lung infection. They really do have to listen to your lungs, maybe take xrays, etc. You don't want to play around with it because serious things could be going on. And, the sooner you are taking care of yourself, the less sick you are going to get. You must get into the doctor's when you first suspect you have any kind of infection because these medicines mask an infection. Sometimes, I will barely have any symptoms and I will have full blown bronchitis which they can tell by listening to my lungs.
You baby yourself until you get through it. Drink lots of hot fluids like tea as they help open up your airway. If you are having any trouble breathing, ask about an inhaler. If you suddenly can't breathe, don't hesitate to call 911. You really shouldn't have to do it in most cases. But breathing is essential and if you have doubts, act on it. Do follow your instincts.
I usually go to a real easy diet of soups, grilled or broiled chicken, rice, etc. much like you would a flu. Sleep with your head elevated. A humidifier can really help you breath better.
Bronchitis and pleurisy really hurt so don't think you're a baby. And they make you really fatigued. It is going to take a few weeks before you feel like yourself again.
I dont seem to catch all the small colds and infections that go around all the time. When I was working, everyone in the office would get the flu but me. I think this is because of the extra vitamins as mentioned and also our bodies do go into overdrive with these hyperactive immune systems of ours. So, I don't think you need to go through life worrying all the time about picking up every little infection. Just take good, healthy precautions like washing your hands constantly and avoiding direct contact with people that are sick. For instance, I stopped drinking sips of sodas after my kids. It's something you kind of do automatically. But now, I refuse to do that. It's easy to avoid and a risk I don't need to be taking.
Also, if I go into an ER or hospital room and I am already exhausted or not feeling well, I have no problem grabbing one of their little masks. They ask you to do that if you have an infection. You can do the same thing for yourself. ERs are the worst places because of all the people coming in there. But again, wash your hands constantly and wear a mask if you feel like it's needed.
You don't have to live worrying about all these future infections. I guess I do try to avoid crowds. Like I really don't want to go to a rock concert because lots of people are crowded in a small place and the air that your breathing doesn't get much circulation. That's kind of a breeding ground for all kinds of stuff. However, a nice open air concert with lots of elbow room is something that can be throughly be enjoyed. We are not "boys in bubbles." We just need to be sensible as it is a crowded world.
Hope you recover quickly.
Mmmmhmmm. When I was growing up it was nothing for me to get Bronchitis and Pneumonia, all at once, and multiple times in a year. I remember lots of 2am, 3am, 4am trips to the ER for a hardcore nebulizer treatment. *sigh* It sucked. LoL Take it easy and do listen to the girls, they know what they're talking about!! REST!!I have never got sick seriously in my life until last month and that is what triggered my RA. I hope I never get lung infections. I guess as long as we take care of ourselves and see the doc we can manage even the worst illness.THANKS everyone for your advice, it's really appreciated. My doctor hasn'tYes Shannon. I get bronchitis almost everytime I get a common cold. I have had 2 bouts with pleursy and believe me I though I would die. Felt like someone was stabbing me. Had to go to ER and get breathing treatment and pain shot.
MaggieB
Glad you are going back to the doctor and he sounds like he is being very cautious with your treatment. Pleurisy really does hurt. And, coughing from the bronchitis does not help at all. Plus, it is possible if you have been on much Predisone that you have developed Costochronditis which is inflammation and deteroration of your rib cage. This also hurts like hell. It can hurt as bad as a heart attack.
So, there are very good reasons for you to feel so poorly. Having grown up with a lot of breathing problems, they do thing to be worse at night. One, the air usually gets cooler. Two, you are also trying to lay down. Try and prop your head up as much as possible. At times, I have actually just slept in an easy chair. Again, a humidifier really helps and drinking hot tea right before you try to sleep will help open those airways.
As bad as you are right now, a breathing treatment might be something they should try. Believe me these are worth the yucky smelling gas. It is vitally important that you keep breathing. Sometimes we think that we just shouldn't be this sick and don't go to the ER or call 911 or even make it to the doctor's office. But if you are having trouble breathing, you just can't take any chances and err on the side of caution.
If you still keep having this level of problems, then it is time to consult with a Pulmonologist. MTX keeps being mentioned because in rare cases it can cause lung problems in some people. But your description does sound more infectious.
The pain in your chest, once they have your breathing and the infection treated, can be addressed with some kind of codienc cough medicine that the doctor should prescribe. Be sure you discuss what you should use and not just grab an OTC brand until you talk with them as they can interact with your meds.
Really hope you recover soon.