Getting sick easily - Lupus Message Board

enigma3 · 08-05-2006, 03:08 PM

Does anyone notice that they get sick more often, and that it is harder to fight off than usual, when they are on Plaquenil?

I just wondered if this is normal, because I had a really hard time fighting off a bad flu/sore throat that I got a few months back, and I had just started on Plaquenil.

Also, now I seem to be battling a stomach virus of some kind for the last few days, and the moment I think maybe I am getting better, then I woke up this morning feeling sick again, and sort of feverish. Also, it sounds gross, but my tongue is really coated with white stuff right now, and I have often noticed that it gets that way whenever I'm not feeling up to par.

Does anyone have any insight, or advice on this?
Thanks for any help you can give me...

Lisa

amkg · 08-05-2006, 10:46 PM

Yup, I can relate to all that. My doctor told me the Plaquenil suppresses your immune system so you can't fight off the "bugs" as well. It suppresses to keep your body from attacking itself so much.

Get as much rest as you can. Seems that's the only thing that makes a difference. Its the only way I seem to get well. Sleep, sleep and more sleep. My docs have also given me a short 5-day run of antibiotics and/or prednisone to try and kick something I'm coming down with.

I've learned the hard way to go to the doc sooner rather than later. I just can't fight something off anymore- if I start coming down with it; I'm getting it. Generally anything going around I'll get. Sometimes its not bad to go quarantine yourself and get extra rest early rather than wait until you are sick.

Good luck!!
Angie

enigma3 · 08-07-2006, 01:58 AM

Thanks for your reply Angie.. I really appreciate it. I'm glad somebody else can relate, and that it isn't just my imagination!

I am doing what I did the last time to get better, and that is to not be taking the Plaquenil for a few days. I really wonder if it is the only reason I recooperated the last time I was really sick, and the reason why I am getting a little better now (finally). I am still up and down with the nausea, and I'm still not feeling much at all like eating, but at least I think I'm on the right track..

Anyhow, thanks again.. hope to talk to you again sometime.

Lisa

Infidel · 08-07-2006, 07:17 AM

I have the same problem with the meds I am on; apparently my immune system is virtually nonexistent. The only things my doctor could recommend are the common things for everyone: wash your hands regularly, keep your hands away from your mouth and eyes, don’t use bar soap, avoid large groups of people if possible, exercise regularly, and so on..

By the way, the white stuff on your tongue sounds like thrush. It isn’t serious but it can get very uncomfortable, your doctor can prescribe medications to treat it.

enigma3 · 08-07-2006, 12:48 PM

Hi Infidel,

Yeah, I've always thought that probably is what the white stuff is.. It is just weird how it comes and goes... Usually, on a daily basis I guess I have at least a little bit of it, but when I get sick or don't feel well, it gets really bad.

I've always wondered if whatever a doctor could give me would be just a short-term fix for it though? Plus, I'm on enough medications as it is, and I am not one to want to take medicine for things in the first place.. I've always tried to go the alternative medicine route as much as possible.

Is thrush something I've had most likely due to having an immune system that doesn't function properly? It is interesting because I never started noticing a problem with any type of thrush until around the time I was first diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease back in 2000.. I had just turned 24 around that time. The lupus only just got diagnosed back in April of this year (finally).

Sorry for all the questions.. thanks for any feedback.
Lisa