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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 10/3/2010 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Have been reading posts and am curious about a few things. First, has anyone just always had a crappy immune system?  For instance, I am 42 and I swear, I still get the stomach flu just about every year on the year and seem to catch alot of what's out there besides gastrointestinal.  Always have.  Interestingly, I've thought for years that my immune system was going to "get me" at some point and am guessing it has?  Stupid question, maybe?  Also, saw where someone posted that we are not supposed to drink alcohol if we are on methotrexate.  My rheumy said no alcohol consumption 12 hours before and after taking it (i take 4 pills one time/week right now).  It does make me nervous, have to admit, and typically just drink one day/week but am thinking I may need to abstain completely.  And lastly, has anyone with ReA ever had to have corrective surgery?  My toe is a mess and it is not just swelling anymore but looks disfigured somewhat and is hard to the touch around the joints.  While summer time was do-able because i could walk around in flops, am really dreading trying to find shoes to wear with this toe.....! 

Thanks!  Leigh Ann 

Posted 10/3/2010 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Leigh Ann,

I have RA not ReA so maybe things are different but my immune system has always been and still is a super system. I was never sick before having RA take me out over night and once I bounced back on the correct meds I went right back to never catching colds, flus etc... I am also very conscious of how germs are spread and wash my hands frequently, do not touch my eyes, nose or mouth and things like that. Especially if I am around people who are ill. I'm also the type you will see opening the public restroom door with a paper towel or pushing it open with my elbow- LOL.
BTW RA is an immune system that is overboard attacking healthy joint linings like they are a harmful infection or something.

It was probably my post you read about no alcohol and MTX. It seems RD's all have their own opinion but most in the States that I've heard people talk about say no alcohol-no way. They say you can have an occasional drink only on a special day. The most lenient say one or two a week. MTX on its own had the potential (that doesn't mean it will happen) to cause cirrhosis so they want to err on the conservative side. Not much fun- MTX. However it helps a lot of people. Sure has helped me.

Not sure about the surgery- luckily I have no deformities at this point.

I wish you all the best!
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