Immune Systems are Shot?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've had PMR since Marsh, and am currently at prednisone at 12.5 Mg/day. I've been on prednizone for about 8 weeks.
I've recently contracted a cold that is lasting forever -- I'm also very weak and lethargic.
I'm wondering if there's anything I (we) can do when we do get sick to help our struggling immune systems cope with these nasty colds (or other viral considtions) while they are compromised by the prednisone?
Thanks so much,
0 likes, 15 replies
EileenH bob73443
Posted
I think maybe we need to rest even more when we have a cold now to allow our bodies a fair chance to recover - the Brits in particular are very gungho about "it's only a cold" whilst the Germans retreat to bed for a day or two! It does appear to work though!
There are things that are claimed to boost our immune systems, yes, but they are often risky to take alongside pred or other prescription medications. Logic says that, since it is your immune system that is causing the PMR, using something that BOOSTS the immune system might be counter-productive.
Some experts used to suggest increasing the pred dose a bit when a patient had an infection or injury - because your adrenal system isn't responding as it normally would. That would certainly account for the feeling weak and lethargic and I know my granddaughter is given hydrocortisone when she develops an infection for that reason. That is something that would be up to your GP.
I think rest and lots of TLC is a good start, together with good symptom relief. I would be reluctant to try anything heroic though.
erika59785 EileenH
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EileenH erika59785
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tavidu bob73443
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bob73443 tavidu
Posted
I'm not sure how to think about all this. If my immune system is shot, then why don't I get sick all the time -- and why do I ever get better when I do get sick?
I'm confused (but that's my normal state).
PS: Sorry to hear about your tooth, bu glad the anitbiotics worked
EileenH bob73443
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bob73443 EileenH
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Thank you, once again.
lodgerUK_NE bob73443
Posted
Buy some Manuka Honey (must have UMF on label) it comes in +5, +10, +12, +15 and +20. The higher the figure the more expensive. Take 1 teaspoonful a day in a probiotic yoghurt.
This natural anti-biotic together with the probiotic helps boost your impaired immune system.
You can get it in a cream for cuts and scrapes - developed by Addenbrookes and it used in open wounds with MRSA and that is also expensive but well worth it.
For more tips and tricks, look at the last Spring/Summer Newsletter http://www.pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk/assets/pmr_resource_58.pdf and turn the pages till you reach Tips and Tricks.
Whatever you do never ever take a drop in your pred when you are not feeling well. Sit tight till it is all over.
Emis Moderator comment: I've added the direct link to the newsletter, let me know via PM if this is incorrect.
bob73443 lodgerUK_NE
Posted
I'll certain do it!
I've also printed out the newsletter and thank you for that as well.
erika59785 lodgerUK_NE
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bob73443 lodgerUK_NE
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I just purchased Manuka Honey, and will follow your instructions. But something about this doesn't make sense.
Manuka honey is an ANTI-biotic, and you say I'm supposed to take this with a PRO-biotic yogurt. Won't the two cancel one another?
erika59785 bob73443
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lodgerUK_NE bob73443
Posted
Because it is has natural anti-biotic properties it helps your immune system which tends to be compromised with PMR and then pred. You will have maybe noticed that small cuts etc take longer to heal, well that honey helps. For larger cuts, varicose vein ulcers etc the cream is brilliant. Another natural cream to help healing is green lipped mussel ointment. By the way I am not a homeopathic person, I just don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
MrsO-UK_Surrey bob73443
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erika59785 MrsO-UK_Surrey
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