New looking for help

[Alan7690]

Hi all I'm new here. I have had Polymyalgia Rheumatica since late 2017 which I’m on steroids for. At the start of Covid my late mum was diagnosis with dementia which put a to of pressure on me as well as work and Covid. I took early retirement Jan 2022 after I was diagnosed with anxiety in late 2021. So I’m now in the loop which I feel anxious as soon as I wake, getting worried about mixing with people, it's consuming my life but the more I try to get thoughts Does anyone have any tips?

[jessiem]

I have PMR too - is your anxiety about getting Covid because you have PMR and taking steroids. What dose of steroids are you on?

[Alan7690 in reply to jessiem]

Hi Yes it is, 90% + to do with that. I've been on 8mg of Prednisolone since about mid 2020 but can't get any lower. I have also been diagnosed with high blood pressure in December last year (I think more related to the anxiety) than any big issue.

[jessiem in reply to Alan7690]

Less than 10mg of steroids is a relatively low dose I’m on 8 too. I think you need to reduce your risk of getting covid with the usual hygiene measures - mask in shops and public transport etc. - avoid mixing indoors with large crowds - carry hand gel when out and wash hands when you get in. I got covid when I mixed indoors at a family gathering without a mask a year ago. I felt a bit rough for about a week but all was ok. I was then on 10mg of steroids. I’ve had all my vaccines and I think that helped too. I also was diagnosed with high BP after taking steroids for a while - this can be a side effect of steroids.

[Alan7690 in reply to jessiem]

Thanks for the reply. We always wear a mask when shopping even though very few appear now, but it still worries me going out around people. I've had all 4 vaccines and will get the spring one if allowed. When you got Covid did you contact 119 and they give you the anti-viral or just let it run ? My BP when checking at home is averaging 135/83 down from 162/95 I know steroids don't help but I still think the anxiety is not helping it either.

[jessiem in reply to Alan7690]

Yes I did - was called by a Dr from the unit that decides who should get antivirals. Was told I didn’t need them as was on low dose of steroid and symptoms weren’t that bad. I think being outside around people is very low risk for getting covid. Your BP figures seem ok.

[Alan7690 in reply to jessiem]

Good to here about 119 and they do get back to you. I try to watch where I go and who I meet but miss so much of my old life, more so as I took early retirement. Ref BP doc was wanting it. Nearer 120/80 but other have said the same as you have. I just wish I good ease my anxiety and stress over it all.

[jessiem in reply to Alan7690]

found this book helpful

Book

[Alan7690 in reply to jessiem]

Thanks I’ll have a look at it

[designguy]

What can really help lessen anxiety is learning what it really is, what is going on with you and it and how to constructively deal with. As you have realized, anxiety is a paradox, the more you try to deny it or make it quit the more it persists. I've done a lot of work/therapy about anxiety and have found the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos to be very helpful and simple to understand as well as the youtube videos/website of Paige Pradko. You may even find medication to be helpful at least temporarily. Knowing what is really going on helps take the fear out of it.

[flaxxy703]

i have been diagnosed with PMR as well 2 mos. ago am now on 17.5 mg daily of pred. left arm is still giving me some discomfort. blood tests improved as well. hemoglobin was down and also red boold cells. taking iron pills daily also. in 2 weeks i will go on 15 mg.

[flaxxy703]

what is 119?

[Alan7690 in reply to flaxxy703]

It’s a phone number for the NHS UK (health service) regarding Covid help/info.

[flaxxy703]

when i dial 119 the response is your call cannot be reached as dialed USA here

[Alan7690 in reply to flaxxy703]

This is for the UK/England only not the USA

[flaxxy703]

i was wondering LOL sorry for your medical issues. i too suffer from anxiety and depression and now PMR. now i have to deal with steroids for months.. march 28 leaving new york state for south florida for 10 weeks. doc said it was okay to go. will monitor meds. from there. in 2 weeks i will be on 15 mgs. daily. then 12.5