r/rheumatoid • u/Equivalent-Pay8829 • 1d ago

Immune system

The last couple of years I've been having some issues with various medicines, e.g. hair falling out, and it's made be wonder what my immune system would be like without immunosuppressants. I was diagnosed at two, and have been on Adalimumab since I was thirteen. I understand that my white blood cells would start attacking my joints, but would other parts of my body be healthier? Would they have a better immune response? Theoretically, if I had a serious infection or disease and went off my Adalimumab, would my heightened immune system be better at fighting it off? Or would it just keep on obsessing over my joints?

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u/Fun_General_6407 1d ago

As someone with experience of immunosuppressent free baseline... I don't know. Personally, despite being on immunosuppressants... I don't get sick. I work in an environment that you would think was infection prone, I don't wear a mask, I use public transport, I travel, etc. No issue.

My body and yours are not the same. Though we may both have RA, our conditions are likely very dissimilar.

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u/Equivalent-Pay8829 1d ago

Just to clarify, I am NOT about to drop my Adalimumab.

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u/DpersistenceMc 1d ago

Ask your doctor if you should pause medication if you have an infection. It's okay to request a different medication if the side effects suck

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u/OnlineCasinoWinner 1d ago

Funny thing, ive actually wondered this myself. Would my overactive immune system fight off things better?

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u/Equivalent-Pay8829 10h ago

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is curious!