My experience is that if I take the Mtx it will keep me sick longer ... so I tend to avoid it as much as possible when sick. In saying that you should probably confirm this with your DR.

I agree, definitely call your rheumy 1st thing!
Feel better soon!

That's the tricky thing about these meds. If it's just a virus, you should be fine, but then again, how do we know if it's just a virus. Definately call the doctor and check with him.

-Tanya N

P.S. Hope you feel better soon!

Just my two cents, but keep in mind that your doctor is experimenting, each time he helps you. Everybody's body is different. You come into contact with all sorts of new germs and viruses every day. I think going with your gut instinct is probably your best bet, perhaps after you talk with your doctor.

Also vocal cords get dehydrated and that's when people lose their voice. Get some liquids in you!!
-Sarah

I have never been on Methotrexate pills, I have only been on the injections. Could be a good option for you. Still feel icky after but I've heard the pills are worse. Hope this helps...

AND~ despite your strong urge to take immunity boosters...... Steer clear! Your immune system is already on overdrive!! They may make you feel xtra bad....

Another thing too ; RA affects the vocal cords I frequently lose m y voice and it go hoarse all the time which really sucks because I used to be a singer. We also feel like crap all the time (malaise) but if youare having flu symptoms as well its always good to let your Dr know. Hope you are feeling better soon!

Thanks everyone! I did go to the doctor. I have laryngitis and an upper respiratory infection. This started last Wednesday! I still have no voice, I have coughed so much my chest hurts, and my throat hurts so bad!! I went to the doc last week, but they did start me on antibiotics today. All the while still trying to teach...

I have drank so much water and tea! Thanks for all the advice. I am on methotrexate shots. Doc asked me to not take it Friday, so just waiting for a call back from the rheumy. I just hope this goes away soon!!

I also have that upper respiratory bug. I feel a lot better after starting to get it Saturday. If this helps this is what I have done.

Lots of O/J, lots of liquids (force them down), Mucinex (helps get rid of mucus and out of your chest), tylenol (2 500mg every 4-6 hours as needed for low-grade temp),Lots of complete rest.

i have found a new cure for ticklish throat-1 Tablespoon of honey at night will soothe throat so you can sleep.

Add me to the list... I wanted to thank you for posting this, I had the exact same question a couple of days later and found your post. My chest is killing me, feels like someone took a baseball bat to my chest - ugh!

Anyway, I was supposed to start MTX for the first time last week when this started. Because of the advice, I stalled till I could talk to my rheumy. His advice was to wait until it's cleared up, and since I'm on prednisone, go to the GP if it gets worse.

Hope you and wendy are feeling better now!

I too woke up this morning with very little voice and must have gone through half a bag of cough drops just for relief to sleep. after getting up and clearing my throat, cup of coffee, and now my throat stoped hurting but still feel like crap and very hoarse. ever since I started taking the mtx shots, every week I get sick. even have had to go to primary dr to get antibiotics a few times. if I keep this up Ill be immuned to all antibiotics soon enough. not to mention Im tired of feeling sick all the time ! Rheumy doesnt think it has anything to do with the mtx but its quite the coinsidence that it only started the same time.getting where I dread getting the shot to see what I get next! hope everybody feels better soon.

Mucinex during day to get congestion out of chest-a must to prevent further problems in lungs.

Tablespoon of honey at night right before go to bed to soothe scratchy throat so you can sleep. It works.

Thanks Wendy! I did try the honey and it did help! I ended up getting bronchitis and I am now on my second round of antibiotics, but it seems to finally be clearing up. It has been three and half weeks without methotrexate and Humira. My hands, knees, and feet have been swollen and painful for the past two weeks! I am really looking forward to when I can take my meds again. Rheumy said to wait until I am 100% better and done with antibiotics. Ugh! The wait!!

Just got past a severe cold .... my doc definitely says to hold off on the mtx when I'm sick. I did not develop an infection, so I was able to get back on it within a week.

My doc advises building up your immunity to everything EXCEPT yourself as a good thing. So, immunizations and kefit and supplements are part of my daily routine.