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Chest and ear infection!! What to do about meds

Posted , 6 users are following.

anthony1801
anthony1801

Hi folks,

Bit of a dilemma that I'd appreciate thoughts and experience on.

I've got a chest infection and ear infection..... possibly a perforated ear drum and have had to have a 7 day course of amoxicillin which I am 2 days into.

I usually take sub cut methotrexate on Friday and sub cut Benapali on Wednesday. As I understand, I may need to miss this weeks treatment because of the antibiotics.

I'm concerned about not taking my RA meds......... Is missing a week going to be significant 1 on my joint pain, 2 on my having to build the methotrexate dose back up?

Any experience of this out there?

Thanks in advance

Anthony

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • michael301172
    michael301172 anthony1801

    Posted

    hi there mate not taking your ra meds for a week wont make a difference mate not fir that short of time ive been like you having come off my ra meds cause of having infection but you will be ok mate mick keep me updated thanks mick

  • clare79550
    clare79550 anthony1801

    Posted

    hi anthony

    I'm the same as you i get ear infections a good bit. i always come off the meth and enbrel injections while on anti biotics. all docs and nurses say it wont affect the arthritis been off them for that short time. it gives your body a chance to help get rid of the infection. if im still not feeling well the followong week after anti biotics i would not take my meds either that week!

    • anthony1801
      anthony1801 clare79550

      Posted

      Hi Claire,

      Thanks for replying. It's the first time I've had the need for antibiotics since I started treatment a year ago so I wasn't sure what to do.

      I'm hoping my symptoms subside enough to re start and I miss only a week as the infection has triggered joint pain.

      It's so frustrating, this RA business 🤯.......... Knew though that posting a message on here would get me some advice without bothering my rheumatology ACP again.

      Thank you and stay well😁

      Anthony

  • linda23834
    linda23834 anthony1801

    Posted

    HI Anthony, missing your meds for a week wont make any difference. your body cant fight the infection and deal with the meds. I once spoke to the firm that supply the injections. They have a medical advisor and he told me a week wouldnt make much difference. I Hope your infection clears up quickly, not much fun on top of the Arthritis and meds.

    • anthony1801
      anthony1801 linda23834

      Posted

      Hi Linda,

      Thanks for replying...... as I've replied to Clare above, it's the first time I've needed antibiotics whilst on treatment so wasn't sure whether to stop and what impact it might have but posting on here always finds me an answer. Sounds like it'll be OK.

      You're right, not much fun..... I've responded to the infection with inflamed joints on top of ear and chest infection. I'm trying to keep a reasonable balance of rest and activity as sitting all day is just leaving me struggling to move.

      It's a bummer this RA isn't it 😂 (gotta laugh or we'd all go nuts 😂🤣)

      Thanks for taking time to reply.... It's much appreciated 😁

      Anthony

    • linda23834
      linda23834 anthony1801

      Posted

      you are right Anthony, it isn't much fun. I have just found out that i have osteoporosis too. I also fell in the bathroom a few weeks ago and fractured my ankle, so wearing a splint boot and on crutches. That is playing havoc with all my joints and needing a wheelchair to get around. you are right though, you have to try and keep moving, as sitting makes it worse. This forum is great, as everyone knows how you are feeling. Great advice is always given here. I now have virtually pain free injections, because i put them in my stomach rather than my leg. that came from advice on here. so helpful. Hope you feel some relief soon.

    • clare79550
      clare79550 linda23834

      Posted

      hi linda

      sorry for butting in here, but i just seen you inject into the stomach. you find this better then injecting your leg ? i use my leg. i have been having few probs with the injections, its like the fluid comes out at high speed hurts like hell and fluid doesnt stay in. i have even started taking the injections out of fridge hours before use but im wondering is my fridge too cold or if the chemists fridge is too cold. have you ever had this problem?

    • linda23834
      linda23834 clare79550

      Posted

      Hi Claire, i used to find injecting my leg was painful. I find taking the injection out of the fridge for at least 20 mins before i use it, this really helps. I Alternate each side of my tummy, as long as you dont do it to near your naval. I now and again have had problems of fluid coming out, but once i inject and hear the clicks, i count to 20 before lifting it off my skin, plus that hasnt happened since i changed to my tummy. It seems to work for me. I cant tell you how much difference it has made. i used to be in tears with each injection in my thigh, but not anymore. Thank goodness for advice on this forum. I hope this helps Claire. Good luck.

    • Gloria814
      Gloria814 clare79550

      Posted

      I have been on humira and cimzia injections and I used to take the medication out of the frig about 20 to 30 min before I use it. You mentioned taking it out hours before using, just make sure you can keep it out for that long. Check with your pharmacy or read the insert. I also monitor the temp in the frig to make sure it is correct

      I iced my stomach before injecting for 20 min and that decreased the pain. RA doc suggested that

      Hope you feel better soon.

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