No MTX When Sick??

[patti2957]

I've got a virus - sinus, throat, etc. and I think I recall my RH telling me not to take mtx in the event of illness. Anyone know for sure?
thanks,
Patti

hobbling along, shuffling my spoons...

[luvwinnie]

From what I hear, different drs have different ideas on this. My rheumy tells me to stop the mtx and Enbrel when ill.

[gimazz]

I spent many months on Methotrexate and my regular dr. took me off when got sickk and my rhmy was very upset at him. Of course I was taken off of it permanently shortly after due to abnormal ct scan but thats another whole story. If you develop a cough please do not hestitate to have a chest xray.

[lpagano]

I was on MTX for 16 years, my doctor always told me to stop it if I had a cold or flue.

[patti2957]

thanks guys! Since every doc says something different I'm finding it pays to get another opinion and I really trust the opinions I get here!
patti

[docmks]

Hi Patti,

I am sorry that you are battling a cold and sinus infection, along with hobbling and juggling spoons (quite an image!). Those sorts of things (upper respiratory things) seem to have started early here this year. As somebody pointed out, doctors do differ in their opinions on this. I am on antibiotics right now for a sinus infection and I've elected to keep taking my stuff; but I am not suggesting you do the same. My doctors did not seem to mind me staying on my meds, although they encourage me to be very careful, but nobody told me to get off of the stuff. I consider this to be a personal decision since you could find docs who go both ways on this. Also, you and your docs would know your situation best.

I hope you feel better soon!

MK

[patti2957]

Docmks: My rambling at the end... about shuffling and hobbling is from another thread - ttiben in his enbrel log - said I might have inspired him to write a new song. He plays the blues:)
Do you ever hobble in the mornings because your feet hurt so bad?!
Feeling a bit silly, maybe it's the cold medicine (lol). I am getting my humor back, though, which is great for me, maybe not so good for all of you!
take care,
patti

[vmars]

Hey Patti I remember the hobbling. There was a time it took me 10 minutes to walk down my stairs every morning. My family used to tell me I walked like my 82 yr old father (he suffered with polymyalgia). TAKE NOTE THOUGH I'M USING PAST TENSE!!! :D :D
I rarely have trouble with my feet now, occasionally my hands still.

Take heart, things will get better :o

[patti2957]

Glad to hear it's past tense. Is it Enbrel that has you "springing lightly?" I think I'm supposed to up my mtx from 15 to 17.5 mg per week... maybe, if I can get past the fatigue, I'll "forget" I have PA, like the rheumatologist said was possible.
I am shaking this cold, finally, so next week back to the meds. I'm also coming out of the long dark tunnel that I've crawled through since mid-summer. Now that I've come to grips with having PA, I'm turning my thoughts to how I can make the best use of my time.
thanks!
patti

[Saxmom]

I've never stopped my meds for just a sinus infection. When it moves into the chest and becomes bronchitis, the docs always say to stop the meds. I'm glad you're feeling better.

Don't forget only about a month until it is time to flu shots! I insist that everyone in our household get one. Last year was the first year that no one here got the flu! Now the kids say they will get one willingly!

Paige

[OhComeNow]

My doctor's rule of thumb is "stop if you have a fever". In the past few years I stopped for pneumonia but not strep throat, stomach flu, or a head cold.

Best wishes.

[patti2957]

I think that's a good way to define when to stop. I ended up taking a half dose because I was afraid that skipping a week would have been a setback, that next week the mtx would have hit twice as hard. By the time I asked my friend/internist it was late evening, and I had a dx appt and work on Monday, so I didn't want the full whammy.
I'll know the next time!
Thanks all,
patti