I was off my Enbrel and MTX for 3 weeks for similar problems. I took my antibiotics, got lots of rest (slept most of the day and night), and forced liquids...my hubby stood by and watched me drink whatever juice or Gatorade that he frequently brought to me. I also took extra vitamin C, although I'm not sure if that was good or bad. I regularly used a sinus wash that was recommended years ago by an ENT. He says that it's like handwashing for the sinuses. It washed out a lot of the "junk" and hopefully some of the germs. It also helps to be retired and have a supportive husband! I still have a little cough, but I'm back on my RA meds. I was told DO NOT inject Enbrel or take MTX when you are sick. The antibiotics will not work for sure if you are taking medication that compromises your immune system.

I hope your new round of antibiotics does the trick and that you are feeling lots better very soon. I totally understand your concern about being off the Enbrel. Take care.

I was off of enbrel for 8 weeks for surgery. I did go into a flare up towards so the doc added prednisone for 10 days. I actually felt like the enbrel was better after being off it for a while.

I have used Ocean nose spray & a cool mist vaporizer many times, and it helped. You can always go to the old remedy..vicks on the chest.

I'm on MTX shots, but had to go off them for about a month because of sinus and chest cold. Two things to keep in mind. 1) Taking Embrel or MTX when you have a cold means you're killing your immune system when you need it the most. 2) For MTX, I get checked for Kidney damage every month with bloodwork. Antibiotics actually make it harder for your body to get rid of the MTX and it can build up to toxic levels. I dont know if that's the same for Embrel, but worth checking.
My doc recommened I get a Neti pot. It does help...my sinuses have been much better since I started using it. Hope you get well soon, Lisa

Sympathy re your predicament - I presume they are sure your 'cold' was bacterial and not viral because if viral antibiotics dont work anyway... Cant mess about if true bronchitis though when you have RA as dont want The Beast realising something called lungs exist......

I am very conservative in use of antibiotics. I save them for really major stuff. For things like head colds and flu (which is viral anyway) I take big doses of Vit C (5000mg over a day, starting immediately with 2000) and garlic. Now your nearest and dearest need to be understanding as the cheapest way to do this is to use real garlic cloves. ( Not Chinese garlic as it has less of the powerful healing ingredient in - just the species they use in China - guess not likely to be getting that in USA but we do here). If not cloves and want tablets could try a really reliable probably expensive brand. If forking out for garlic tabs likely to be able to get odourless anyway.
A friend tackles her colds with mini icecubes made like this. One whole lemon, one whole garlic (not single clove, the bulb) into whizzer and frozen. One cube at first sign. But beware breath! I have to say she keeps pretty healthy and is nearing 70. She gave me one once when I was feeling off and I came right pretty quick. Just havent got round to making my own yet.
There is also a herb called echinacea which some swear by although I dont take it.
With viral conditions there isnt a lot modern medicine can do once they hit. Just concerned you stopping the RA drug and hope it was really necessary. You are presumably also aware that sometimes RA itself throws flu like symptoms.
Bit muddled all this. Hope you feel better soon and can rest up, lots of lemony drinks and someone to look after you. I get these postings via mail and usually a couple of days after so perhaps you already a lot better.

Thanks for all your good advice. I am using the Neti Pot and it does help. I also take Mucinex at night so I can sleep and have my Nose free off stuff. I am on Doxycycline 100 mg and drink lots of fluids. I had a little fever today too. I just had never had the flu in at least 15 years so this is really all new to me. My whole concern was not being able to take my Enbrel for so long. I probably will have to skip another 3 weeks. So far I feel fine as far as my joints are concerned. This really sucks, I was feeling so good for so long and now this. I was reffered to a Pulmonary Dr. yesterday and he said my Lungs look all clear but my spine showed Osteo. I wasn't surprised since my Mom had it too. I feel better already having talked to DS Friends you are the best. I know some of you don't know me, but I was here alot in '08 1nd '09 that's when I was dx. I went into remissio after Enbrel and Rheumy said 70% remission which is really great. that's why I don't want to stop the Enbrel. Anyway, thanks for listening to my rambling, but it helps to have understanding friends. My Hubby helps me too though.
If anything new should come up, or if anybody has more to ad I certainly always welcome advice., They want to take an xray of my Sinus, I guess to see if I have Polyps. I'll see what my Rheumy says on Thursday. Thanks,
bigi


bigi