supporting immune system while on Remicade.

Okay so I am nervous about my immune system on the Remicade. Anyone have any advice on healthy things I can do to support my immune system a little while the Remicade is knocking it down?

When I first started taking remicade I also started taking Echinacea to help boost my immue system.  This first year was rough because the remicade completely knocked out my immune system and I caught everything that I went near and I wasn't even working at the time.  After the first year my immune system started to recover and I don't get as sick as often partly because of the Echinacea.

One thing you have to be carefully of though is the Chicken Pox or other Virus you had as a child that you should get again, because now you can.  I have had a few minor Chicken pox scares, but if I think I have been exposed I need to see my doctor asap for a shot. 

Also the flu shot, you can't get it 10 prior or 10 days after, typically I don't get the flu shot in the first place, but you need to be aware of when your vaccinations are done.  I have had to miss infusions due to viruses so be aware of your medical issues at all times.

Good luck and I hope remicade helps you.

this is a strange issue- I thought about taking some sort of immune booster myself, what with the high doses of both Remicade & Imuran. But then, I thought about how UC is an auto-immune disorder, with your immune system going into overdrive (I do believe this- not looking to debate the how's & why's of UC). So wouldn't you think that takng something to amp it up might be counter-productive? Or, the whole point of these meds you're taking is to tamp down your immune system, so if you took an immune booster, could it possibly affect how your meds work? Anyway, I decided to do nothing! I do wash my hands TONS of times a day- I also wipe down phones, computers, doorknobs, etc. with disinfectant wipes. Mainly just this time of the year- I'm not so germ-phobic in the Summer! But I have to say, I don't think I've gotten colds more often, or minor health issues. The only health problem I've had since starting on heavy-duty UC drugs is pneumonia, 2x. But day to day I'm pretty healthy.

hey, I'll take pink eye anyday over the flu or a viral infection! We've got both those going round my office, not to mention all the sick patients coming in. It's totally gross. I had a mini panic attack this AM, because I have an infusion tomorrow, & was sure when I woke up today I was getting *something*.... turned out to be the usual morning grogginess & grumpiness, but for a few minutes there I was contemplating rescheduling the infusion.

This is a great thread! I was going to post the same question in regards to 6MP. I am sitting here feeling like I am about to get strep throat. I am trying to wash my hands all the time...but ultimately I am scared I am going to pick up every disease out there :(

Any advice??

Most of your immune system is in your gut - so when your guts are off, your immune system will be too. I make sure to take my probiotics and vitamins, wash, wash, wash my hands, and stay away from sick people. Sleep is important too - I seem to get the sickest when I'm tired.

So, since the immunosuppresants have been keeping my gut in check (most of the time) I haven't had as many colds, etc.

Hydration and eating well are important too.

Just my take on it.