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scarlett19

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scarlett19's Status Updates

"Hurting"

  1. Lori Foster's avatar image

    Lori Foster

    My heart goes out to you, . I wish you were not in so much pain. Do you think this is the start of a flare or is this normal for you? I hope you are able to rest today or at least take it easy and that tomorrow is a better day. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)

  2. christine.laaksonen's avatar image

    christine.laaksonen

    Hi , I just wanted to check in. How are you doing currently? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

  3. scarlett19's avatar image

    scarlett19

    Hi Christine
    I had to go back on prednisone and now am taking another drug azorathine. It is definitely helping however it makes your immune system even more compromised and you can't get vaccinations. So I'm scared with the flu season coming up. I always get vaccinated
    I need flu, pneumonia and dont know about shingles. Everything just gets scarier. I'm doing acupuncture and OMT therapy. That is really helping

  4. Daniel Malito's avatar image

    Daniel Malito

    God know we all have been there. The pain and day in day out fatigue and exhaustion that goes along with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illness can seriously take its toll. Just know you are not alone and you can always come here to get support! Keep on keepin' on, DPM

  5. Daniel Malito's avatar image

    Daniel Malito

    I have had flu, shingles and all of those things and you are certainly right in that you don't want to get them, but you know chronic illness is always a trade off - we have to all personally decide how much risk we want to incur for how much possible benefit. Whatever you are comfortable with is what's right for you and is OMT and acupuncture work, then keep on doing it! Hopefully tomorrow is a lower pain day! DPM

  6. Richard Faust's avatar image

    Richard Faust

    Hi . Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant. In fact, it is pretty much a blanket immunosuppressant. There are other RA drugs that, while they inhibit the immune system, are more targeted (such as biologics and JAK inhibitors). They would still require guidance from a doctor in regards to vaccinations, but it is possible. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at age two, over 40 years ago. Since she has been on a biologic she has had the flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines. Again, every case is different and your rheumatologist should be able to guide you on the best course for you. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)