MAC & rheumatoid arthritis

[middy]

I was dx with microbacterium avium complex 6 years ago and never rec/d treatment because there wasn't enough in my lungs to treat. I had CT scans every 4 mo.  Now I have only a couple nodules and the rest is clear.  Problem is I came down with rheumatoid arthritis quite severe and need treatment.  The rheum. dr. said she can't trat it because the MAC could reactivate.  What can I do??
Middy

[amartlan]

A related discussion, RA & MAC was started.

[National Jewish]

This is not an easy question. Not all medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis suppress the immune system.  I would speak with the rheumatologist again about these other agents and see what can be done to relieve your symptoms and not expose you to an increased infectious risk.