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misty
#1 Posted : Wednesday, October 05, 2011 6:59:44 PM Quote
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Hi,
Just wondered what others thoughts are on this. Had a UTI recently, and had three lots of antibiotics before getting the right one, which has been Pivmecillinam. Have been off Methotrexate (25mg) for 3 weeks and also the Sulphasalazine, and I am feeling really well, with no real signs of any problems with the arthritis. Have continued to take the Hydroxychoroquine though. However it has made me think, do I really need to take the medication again, because I feel so well without them. Does antibiotics have any positive effect on the arthritis? Would love to know what others thoughts are on this.
Thanks
Candy
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smith-j
#2 Posted : Wednesday, October 05, 2011 7:12:48 PM Quote
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Candy

It is an interesting post. I have found that if I am suffering from another illness apart from the RA, then my RA improves. I had a knee replacement in January this year and my RA virtually went into remission for a couple of months. When I spoke to my RA Consultant he told me that my immune system had been busy getting my knee better so it was not attacking my joints. This may well be what has happened whilst you have had the UTI. Your immune system has been fighting the infection and not your joints.

This is just my opinion and I would wait and see what everyone else says. Also I would be very cautious about not taking your medication on a more permanent basis without speaking to your RA team first.

Jackie
xx
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jenni_b
#3 Posted : Wednesday, October 05, 2011 7:22:01 PM Quote
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Hi

I agree with Jackie- in fact having a really nasty run of kidney infections did funnily mean a brief respite for me...
also pennaciliamine is a drug used for RA in days gone by- not least because the side effects didnt warrant the level of benefit compared to more modern treatments like SLZ and the MTX.

Im afraid the infections brief respite from the RA was brief and it hit me like a tonne of bricks with a major flair.

It takes so long for the mTX and SLZ to get into and out of your system (around 3-6 mths) that IMO youd be daft stopping it if you tollerate it and its generally working. It also takes ages to start working and so if you stopped youd have to start all over again....

Jenni xx
how to be a velvet bulldoser
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jeanb
#4 Posted : Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:54:43 AM Quote
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Want to agree with Jackie and Jenni. Please don't stop your meds without speaking to your rheummy team.

Love Jeanxxxx
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misty
#5 Posted : Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:45:13 PM Quote
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Hi Jackie, Jennie, Jean,
Many thanks for your replies. I found it very interesting that you have experienced remission whilst on antibiotics, and it never occured to me that the body was actually fighting the infection instead of doing nasty things. It definately made me think, especially the bit about going back to the beginning. I have decided to follow your advice ladies and go back on the medication when I get the all clear from the infection. However it didn't help tonight when I went for a HRT review, and when the nurse saw the list of medication, stated I was on a "fair wack". This always worries me, and I know I should reason it out, which I do most of the time, but do find it difficult now and then. It has been so lovely to be free of medication, I had forgotton what that felt like, and also to be free of the aches and pains. Once again many thanks for your thoughts on this.
Candy
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LynW
#6 Posted : Friday, October 07, 2011 3:11:22 AM Quote
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Hi Candy

I had similar experiences with UTIs last year but eventually ended up very worn down by them and the constant use of antibiotics and lack of methotrexate. As Jenni explains the RA meds can stay in the system for a few months and will help to keep the RA at bay for some time.

Unfortunately you don't always get a warning when the benefits are running out so I think you are right to continue the RA meds as soon as you are able. Enjoy the respite whilst you can, in my experience it can be shortlived if the RA returns with a vengeance.

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

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jeanb
#7 Posted : Friday, October 07, 2011 9:05:56 AM Quote
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Hi again Candy

I have posted about this before, but am useless at finding old threads (must be my advancing age!)

I decided to come off all the meds a year or so ago. I just got so sick of it all and just thought what the heck! All was wonderful for about 10 weeks and then bang - one of the biggest flares I've ever had. Couldn't move at all and it was scary! I realised that the drugs keep me as well as I am and wouldn't do it again. So pleased you have re-started your medsSmile

Take care and hope you feel better soon.

Love Jeanxx
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misty
#8 Posted : Friday, October 07, 2011 9:24:28 AM Quote
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Hi Lyn and Jean,
Thanks for your input on this, it's been good to get some experiential advice. Well today will probably be my last medication free day. But Lyn I did enjoy it, I had two whisky's last night!!!, don't drink when on meds. However did loose the blood forms I had been given through feeling so squiffy!!! Once again thanks.
Candy x
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