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water infection Options
ladygolfer
#1 Posted : Thursday, June 03, 2010 1:03:40 PM Quote
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I keep getting a recurring water infection that will not go away unless I take antibiotics. These have only really started since I got RA, I keep wondering if it is because I am on MTX and thefore my immune system is suppressed or is there another reason. Does anyone else have this problem.

Regards

Val
Calmwater22
#2 Posted : Thursday, June 03, 2010 6:44:01 PM Quote
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Hello Val lovely to see you posting

aww sorry see you have infection,well not sure about others but ever since my RA came out remission at much higher level of being problem i got quite few infections BEFORE i started any medication for RA.
when i started mtx i did still get infections but not as many once it ahd started to work.
now 2 years on i find winter,early spring are times i tend get infections.

hope it heals up soon for you.
hugs
Melly
cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
LynW
#3 Posted : Thursday, June 03, 2010 8:26:39 PM Quote
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Hi Val

I have been on methotrexate for many years and didn't start with urine infections until January of this year. Since then I have had four which have had to be treated with antibiotics. Mtx can cause the neutrophil count to drop. Neutrophils are the guys that go about gobbling up the 'bad b*****s' that make us ill. Consequently no neutrophils = no immune system = lots of infections.

Do you know what your neutrophil count is at present? If it's below 2 you need to see your GP who may need to stop the mtx until the count increases. Either way it does sound very much as though Mtx is playing a part and a visit to the medics sounds imminent.

Pesky stuff RollEyes

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

ladygolfer
#4 Posted : Friday, June 04, 2010 2:32:58 PM Quote
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Hi Lynn

would that be checked when I get my full blood count done, if so I had full blood count a couple of weeks age and doc said it was normal. Sorry to hear that you are getting these infections, its no fun when you dare not go out!! Thanks for both replies best wishes to you and Melly

Val
LynW
#5 Posted : Friday, June 04, 2010 5:01:52 PM Quote
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Hi Val

Yes, it should be part of the full blood count. But, don't you keep your own results whilst on Methotrexate? I have a patient held drug monitoring book in which are recorded all my blood test results, DAS, blood pressure and drug treatments. I keep this myself and take it with me wherever I go! It's the story of 'my life'!!!

Sometimes GPs regard things as normal when actually they aren't for someone on Mtx. I do think your recurring problem requires investigation as the Mtx could be the cause. Good luck

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

sylvia
#6 Posted : Friday, June 04, 2010 8:04:48 PM Quote
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hi lyn whats das, i have never had my blood presure taken just bloods every month, they have been fine, i now have inhaler as nurse said i have chronic broncitis, not good at spelling lol, i told nurse i stopped smoking 2 years ago and put on 2 stone that i cant shift, so thought that was why i was out of breath, will i have to use inhaler for rest of my life,does swimming help joints, soz so many things i dont know about, and doc or nurse just looks at me when i ask sylviaConfused
LynW
#7 Posted : Friday, June 04, 2010 8:34:50 PM Quote
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Hi Sylvia

That's a bit rotten developing bronchitis. Not sure what might have brought that on although I suppose it could have been the smoking?? I suppose too that if the only way to control the bronchitis is by using the inhaler then you might be stuck with it for now at least, unfortunately.

Swimming will help to keep joints mobile (it's also good lung exercise!). As it is not weight-bearing it doesn't put undue stress on the joints and is regarded as one of the best forms of exercise for those with RA. I'm not sure I would go as far as to say that it actually helps the joints in terms of disease but certainly it will strengthen the surrounding soft tissue which will in turn support the joint.

DAS is Disease Activity Score. Here's the NRAS link that will explain it in detail. There's also a booklet you can download and a video. My DAS is checked by the rheumatology department every 6 months.

I think my blood pressure is really only checked because I have had problems with methotrexate. It's just a case of keeping on top of things. I don't think it's done as a matter of course. Sorry if I confused things! I sometimes get the feeling that doctors and nurses aren't always very aware of RA and its complications. Many GP practices might have only a few patients with RA so possibly don't get to see it very often and is quite a learning curve when they do!

Hope this helps Sylvia. Take care,

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

chockers
#8 Posted : Friday, June 04, 2010 10:15:53 PM Quote
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just too say been on Anti bo ics for months for spots also on MTX does not seem to do anything i am no differant reards to being on them .

if this helps .I was on them lots last year and year before but really no differant .I ONLY HAVE A few months break then back on .

hope this helps i don,t worrie about now .

before i did not catch much and still don,t catch much as you still can .

keep hands clean away from face may be a better idea

christine
The chocolate eating housewife ...The washer woman .....naughty lady
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