Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.
Trivial since I'm feeling pretty good since I started Plaquenil. However, I think I've picked up a cold--no big deal--but I'm confused about whether I should behave as I would have last year and take Emergen-C, drink Echinacea tea, etc.
Also, I was under the impression that we shouldn't get the flu shot, but my doctors all recommend it, including my rheumatologist. In fact, I had the shot when I was at his office. Did I do the wrong thing?
Also, I was under the impression that we shouldn't get the flu shot, but my doctors all recommend it, including my rheumatologist. In fact, I had the shot when I was at his office. Did I do the wrong thing?
People like us don't need and certainly don't want the added pain and suffering of the flu if we can help it.
I fully recommend it.
Absolutely not don't take any Emergen-C or Echinacea. You don't want to cause your disease to flare up. All your doing is working against the Plaquenil. The last thing you want to do is take something that strengthens your immune system. If your just on Plaquenil, you shouldn't have any trouble getting over colds. It does slightly dampen the immune system but not enough to where you are high risk. I have heard terrible stories about people that have taken those kinds of things and have gotten sick. It will really be no benefit for you. You can however just drink orange juice or the standard dose of vitamin C.
Do what your doctor feels is right for you!! We all respond differently and our doctor knows our full history.
I do not take the flu shot because I got it two years in a row and got violently ill from it. When I don't take it, I get a winter cold but nothing near what I got when I had the flu shot. I am on methotrexate and they recommend the flu shot but it seems contradictory to what the methotrexate is doing to suppress the immune system. I do make sure I have a lot of vitamin C intake in the winter months.
I also have to wonder how much immunizations are responsible for the increase in autoimmune diseases. The governement says no, but I started having symptoms of Lupus after getting my second Hep B shot for nursing school and have many co-workers that are being diagnosed with autoimmune conditions such as Lupus, MS, and Sjogren's. Makes you wonder why so many people in healthcare are being diagnosed.
Of course, I don't mean to scare anyone, and it is just my personal thoughts and beliefs on the increase in autoimmune conditions but immunizations are working against our already stressed out immune system.
Good luck to you!
On the flu shot, the SSF says to consult with your doctor. Mine said no since it has the swine flu as part of the regular shot, and I had a very severe reaction to swine flu vaccine in the 1970's. Your doctor has the best idea for your overall health. If he said to get it, then that was the right thing to do.
Hope you feel better soon!