My son has polyarticular JRA and has a huge problem with high strep levels and strep throat. He has had a strep problem without relief for the last 9 months. He takes methotrexate, which can make the strep problem worse. I told the doctor that I was going to move to Florida and he told me not to. He said that Florida is too swampy, too humid in the summer, too many different plants and flowers. I always thought that Florida was one of the best places for arthritis. My son has always had a problem with strep throat, sinus infections, and ear infections-so his doctor said he would only get worse in Florida. He told me to move to Southern Arizona, or New Mexico. My son has been really affected by the cold where we live-he literally cannot tolerate it and he was sick all winter. Anyone have any thoughts? Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Florida is extremely humid, and can be pretty miserable in the summer. New Mexico and Arizona have a very dry climate and I can see where that might make a difference. I guess I don't really understand what that has to do with strep throat though?? I guess I would be surprised if it made a big difference for infections. I can see how the MTX would have an effect...it does reduce your ability to fight off infections. Have you talked to your doctor about trying something besides MTX? I was on MTX for a couple of years and had a big problem with thrush. When I changed to Humira the thrush disappeared.
Alan
julie,
When you find the best place to live with RA, let me know, I'm moving!!!!!
Phats
Julie, I'm so sorry to hear about how sick your son has been. The poor guy! And poor you, there's nothing worse than being a mom who just wants to make their child feel better, and doesn't know how.
I too am puzzled why strep throat has you wanting to move to a warmer climate. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, not by weather. Has your son had his tonsils removed, and tubes put in his ears for the recurrent infections. That often helps tremendously! You and everyone in your family should also be tested for strep - one of you could be a silent carrier who keeps reinfecting him. I have even heard of family dogs being the carrier.
Sorry to hear how sick your son has been. I hope he gets well soon.
As far as where to live. Florida is really humid in the summer and I sure wouldn't live there. I don't know how Katie can stand it. A location that is dry and warm is your best bet. Someplace like southern AZ or New Mexico. When I lived in Southern AZ for 5 years my RA was under great control. Just a few minor flares during monsoon season. I have moved back to the midwest (southeast WI) and it took a little over a year for my RA to come back with a vegenace. Please, don't let what I say influence a decision to move anywhere because everyone is so different and the RA affects everyone so differently.
Please keep us posted on your precious son!
Julie, I feel so badly for your son! it seems he just can't shake the strep. I think it's a good idea to get everyone tested. My sons had just horrible allergies, asthma, and strep when we lived in CA.We moved to FL and they were fine - not a single issue with those illnesses. It could be they outgrew it, but I think it was the weather. It was only humid 4 mo out of the year. We were near Cocoa Beach - not sure if that makes a difference.ugh w/ RA.. theres no way I'd move someplace muggy and humid.. well ok.. I might... for 6 months of the yr, lol.
I love North Carolina, but sooo glad I'm not there now, since this has happened.. .. and even our few rare muggy, light humid days in CA kill me. but I do think where you live Can and does affect you.
I know the drier climate here has to help. Its a personal decision tho and it may or might not help.
Have you read Places Rated Almanac? its great!! Rates all the cities and includes weather info and schools, etc.
Hi I live in central Alabama and the summer weather takes a toll on me. I love for winter to roll around as I am not so bad, but this pass winter I was no better than when it is summer. But so far this year, I have had non-stop flaring, but it could be because I have not took my Humira in a few weeks. Humidity change within the last few weeks have been really hard on me. Humidity low one day and is 100% the next day. Humidity and weather changing sucks big time.
I remember when I was a kid, I have JRA, I use to get chronic tonsilitis, but mom always talked them out of taking my tonsils out. So, I still have mine, and have not had any problem out of them since I went into teenage remission.
Wishing your son the best!
There was an article about that.. recently.. anyway the gist of it was that it could actually help quite a bit w/ diseases and sore throats, strep , etc.
I had surgery for my nose and the Dr removed my tonsils... and my sinus problems that I had for soo long.. wow, gone.. almost 99 % of the time.. its made a big difference.
What surgery for your nose did you have? I have to be "roto-rooted" and I keep putting it off cuz ugh ewwwww all that packing up my nose turns my stomach lol. I would definetly not go somewhere humid. We used to live in Durban South Africa , it was really humid there and used to get so bad that the humidity levels closed the schools down at times.My joints suffered badly .A nice dry arid climate is much better. So i have no idea what i'm doing in the UK I live in Phoenix and the heat kills me in the summer. The monsoons are very uncomfortable but not too bad. Tucson would be better. It is a beautiful state though with lots of opportunities. The medical system isn't so hot though, even private pay.