What is ‘SICK’ as in sick day rules?: On Wednesday... - PMRGCAuk

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What is ‘SICK’ as in sick day rules?

PMRGCA19 profile image
6 Replies

On Wednesday last 9 March I went for my second Synacthen Test. That night while watching TV my fingers found a lump on top of my Adam’s Apple. I bathed it with a hot compress but it was no better by Friday (still very red and angry with a white tip) so I eventually got through to the GP surgery. My GP phoned that afternoon and said she would leave me a prescription for FLUCLOXACILLIN to be taken 4 times daily. If it was no better by the day I take Methotrexate (Wed) I should omit it.

Today a Rheumatology Dr phoned with my Cortisol results which showed that I still did not have enough cortisol in my system and that I should continue with current dose of Hydrocortisone (10 mg) and that I would be retested in 3 months’ time. But at least the levels were higher than my first Synacthen test in May 2021 after which the Endocrinologist switched me from Pred to Hydrocortisone .

I happened to mention the ‘boil’ on my neck. He consulted with the team and asked if I was following the Sick Day rules. My reply was that, though I wasn’t feeling great I wasn’t sick as I hadn’t been vomiting! My Dictionary gave 3 different definitions of Sick, only one being ‘feeling nauseous or vomiting’.

The Dr told me to double my Hydrocortisone to 20 mg until I complete the course of Antibiotics. If no better by then I should contact the GP. I am glad to report I now know the definition of Sick!

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PMRGCA19
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Sick is anything like an infection - especially requiring antibiotics, or other illness that lasts more than a day or two, It isn't restricted to throwing up

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Look in FAQ'S and scroll down to Sick Day Rules to see what to do when body is trying to deal with a virus, injury, bacterial infection, etc.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Interesting experience. Especially. Rheumatologist engaged and knowledgeable about managing you adrenal function. Get better soon!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toSheffieldJane

Was just thinking that!

PMRGCA19 profile image
PMRGCA19

Thanks to you good folk for your knowledgeable replies. I have read a lot on this forum but my problem seems to be forgetting key points when I need them. Steroid brain fog?

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toPMRGCA19

Well if you come across points you want to remember -then save the post. It/them can then be found on My Feed page (Top left -green H bubble)

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