Medications and TB

I was exposed to tb when I was 5 years old because my mother had it and was quarantined for almost a year and all I remember is that my brother and sister were in foster care and given routine chest exrays. My mother always told me we didn’t ever have tb but when I was applying for a nursing aide position in my 20’s, I was sent for a chest exray and coincidently got the same doctor as when I was a child. He was interested to see me and pulled out my exrays from when I was a child, comparing them side by side and pointed out the scars from tb… I hadn’t thought about it much since but since marrying my husband and applying for a greencard because I’m Canadian, I had to have all the shots we were given as kids over again, smallpox, rhubella ect. About the same time I finally recieved my greencard in the mail , I experienced my first RA symptoms. Life is ironic! I don’t know how afraid of RA medications I should be .

Hi island,

I was exposed to tb via my mother who had inactive tb when she died. As
a result of the exposure, I always test positive with the scratch
tests. The rheumy I have now actually asked me about it (the one before
did not) so she put me on meds to prevent it activating from the
Humera. I have to take the meds for a year. All meds can be pretty
scary especially RA meds but I have been taking a variety of them for 4
years and other than having an upset stomach for a few days it hasn’t
been bad. For me the alternatives to taking the medication is not an
option. I wish to continue with a somewhat normal life although not as
much exercise for me and I eat well and still enjoy a glass of good wine
with dinner (Doc said that was ok). The meds make you think things are
normal most of the time and I can work just not as fast as I had
worked. We all have to make a decision about the meds and get a clear
idea as to the pros and cons. Be sure to ask your doctor about the side
affects and what results you should expect from them.

Take care of yourself and stay upbeat because it isn’t the end of the
world (tb or ra) although sometimes I get down, i don’t stay that way
for long. Always look for support and information at good locations.
This site is a good start and so is arthritis.org which has a board
where you can also post and read up on the latest and greatest information.

jane

island wrote: