A question about our autoimmune systems

Hi all,
I know that with RA our autoimmune systems are in overdrive. The DMARD meds that I and a lot of us are on (methotrexate, biologics etc ) subdue our autoimmune systems in order to stop them attacking our joints etc.
My question is this, I have the flu at the moment and one of the recommendations for my recovery is to boost my immune system through various methods but surely it’s not a good thing to boost my immune system when it’s so strong already that it is a danger to me? I have inflammation according to my CRP rate in my last blood test prior to getting the flu. That probably means that RA is active, ie my autoimmune system is in overdrive now.
Is there more than one type/area/category of immune system? Are the *&%$£*@?* that are attacking my joints the same as the ones protecting me from infections like the flu? If I try to boost my immune system with methods and potions suggested to me am I then boosting the RA as well? Any ideas on this?

Thanks Neenaa.

Hi Don,
Thanks for your prompt reply. I didn't realise I was sick (or sicker than usual) till I went for my Orencia infusion last week and they wouldn't give it to me because my pulse , BP, and temp were all high. My GP diagnosed the Flu.

They saved me from myself that time but I never put 2 + 2 together in my addled state and went ahead and took my Methotrexate as usual the next day. I don't seem to have suffered any dire consequences thank goodness. I'm on a low dose (7.5mg) anyway. Thanks so much for reminding me I shouldn't take it. I would probably have gone ahead and taken it again in two days. The fever had receded but it's now back to what it had been but I don't feel as unwell as I was last week. Maybe I got away with it.

I have been following all your trials and tribulations in the forum lately. You seem to have hit a very difficult patch and I feel very badly for you. I know that you have been battling RA for years and that Enbrel having been successful for a long time stopped working for you. I know you are on Methotrexate. Have you tried any of the other biologicals available since Enbrel stopped working for you? Enbrel stopped working for me after 3 months and I went on to Actemra which was great but too hard on my liver. Now I'm on Orencia for 6 months and that seems to working a treat. I hope you find the solution that works for you soon.

Thanks again. Neenaa

Hi Neena, yes I have also been on Humira as well but it did not seem to be working so we decided to stop it. My methotrexate was increased along with sulfasalazine and prednizone. I seemed to be doing a little better then again I went into a bad flare and have been unable to walk for the better part of the last few weeks. My knees flared up horribly as well as my feet, hands and wrists. A total mess of it all around. I can't drive so I have been at home working when I can manage it.

I have to say that this is partly my responsibility. After having some side effects from both Enbrel and Humira I have been very worried about the affects of biologics and decided to try and avoid them if at all possible. My Doctor agreed to this and thought that giving my body a break from them may be helpful. I also have been trying to eat better and avoid wheat, dairy and sugars in my diet along with taking probiotics and juicing. All of these things are good but my disease is just crippling when it is in full flare.

I can say that after the last few months and the amount of pain I have been in that my quality of life has been so poor that considering the alternatives I was happy to go back on Enbrel and I will have to leave the side effects up to God. I have been so sick that I simply can not function.

I hope that you are feeling better and are able to have your infusion. I may end up going this route as well if the Enbrel falls off. Thanks too for your kind words, this disease is such a horrible thing to have to deal with. It is a real help to connect with others and give each other support. -Don