every day something new

Don't know what is going on in my body but really getting scared.  I had my flu shot on Sept. 7th, took my humira the next day and then broke out in a terrible itchy rash on both arms.  Was also down to 2.5 mg of prednisone (tapering off).   After seeing the usual round of doctors - still no clear answers.  Dermatologist just said probably contact dermatitis).  Was obvious he didn't want to be bothered.  My rheumy and my primary said to up the pred to 10mg for 5 days, then do 7.5 mg for a week, then 5mg for a week and 2.5 for a week and then stop.    I haven't taken my Humira since the 8th.  Two days ago woke up with a lump in the roof of my mouth.  It's still there and kind of uncomfortable.   Still have the rash - not so itchy but have little scabs from scratching that don't seem to be healing well.   Also had a slight fever for a few days.   Not sure who to call tomorrow.  If I see my dentist for the mouth he'll charge me and then probably just send me to an oral surgeon.   I need to know if my body is trying to fight off infection before I dare to take my Humira again.   So tired of doctors and being bouncefd from one to another.  Anyone have any suggestions.

Alicat

I take plaquenil and am planning to get my flu shot soon. Does that count towards the two week rule?

I looked up Humira and the flu shot but couldn't find anything that said to wait to take the Humira after having the flu shot - however, had I been thinking I would most likely have waited at least a week (I take it weekly). Anyway - I really feel that it did trigger something. Got another run around with doctors today. Started with my rheumy who said I should try to see an oral surgeon for my mouth to rule out an infection and to drop down from 7.5 mg pred to 5mg for 3 or 4 days and then 2.5 mg. Oral surgeon couldn't see me till November so called my regular dentist and will see him tomorrow (probably another wasted trip). Called my primary and got no where with that either - said to try to find another oral surgeon. In the mean time I still have the rash and little scabs that don't heal. I'm concerned about dropping down to 2.5 mg of pred so quickly and expect a real flare if I still can't take my Humira. Haven't taken humira since Sep 7th. To top things off I have to see a surgeon tomorrow about carpel tunnel (don't think I'll be having any surgery right now).
Told the girl at my primary doctor's office that I just don't care anymore, went for a ride and had a good cry. Really starting to hate doctors.

Hi Alicat,

It is so frustrating having one thing after another. I do hydro therapy and one of the woman there said to me you always have something else wrong with you!

So I can identify with you. I had real trouble getting off the prednisone but one thing I picked up was if you only have 3 days at a higher dose you can just stop it and go back to your normal dose. Your body hasn't got used to the higher dose and just automatically starts making cortisole again. Once you get down to 2 mg of pred after 3 weeks you should be able to just stop without it troubling you.

As for the mouth lumps etc is it an ulcer or an infection? Or is it your lymph glands? The dentist will hopefully know.

I have my flu shot without any thought to when I take my other meds. I only stop humira to fight infections like pneumonia otherwise I just keep taking it even for surgery.

My rheumy doesn't like me to stop it for anything. Flu shots shouldn't cause any trouble. How are your white bood cell counts? Are you low in neurtrophils? Maybe this is causing the problems?

Heart goes out to you, it is so frustrating to just get listened to sometimes isn't it? I feel like half the time the doctors are on their own agendas and not listening at all.

Thinking of you, golitho