Pain while taking steroids

[Yellow-dog]

I have a very nasty chest infection, feeling very unwell still . I’ve been on antibiotics and 40 mg prednisone since Monday. I am getting quite a lot of pain around my lower back. I’m wondering if this is kidneys? Or adrenals? I also have pain at the back of my ribs from coughing but this other pain is slightly lower down.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I'm not sure what's causing it but sounds like you might need to ask the GP asap, if you think this isn't from coughing. I mean I guess if your cough is violent you may have pulled something else, but probably best to check given you've got an infection already and are still unwell.

Hope you feel better soon!

[Yellow-dog in reply to Lysistrata]

thankyou, yes I think you are right, not that getting an appointment is easy at the moment!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Yellow-dog]

Does your surgery offer e-consult? That may be one way to do it - mine does look at them regularly.

[Yellow-dog in reply to Lysistrata]

I don’t think so, they do phone calls but not easy to access

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Yellow-dog]

THat's annoying. Perhaps worth trying 111/the online version as a start - though I realise it might take a while: 111.nhs.uk/

[Bevvy]

I really think you need to contact gp or 111 as a matter of urgency. When I have had severe chest infections it has caused back pain, due to infection and have needed stronger antibiotics and closer monitoring by gp.

[hilary39]

How are you doing now? Is the pain any better? I'm sorry, this sounds like a terrible way to feel right as we get into the holidays!

[Yellow-dog in reply to hilary39]

it’s no better. That’s why I wondered if it is a sign of kidneys processing the antibiotics/ infection. It’s not a great time to feel ill but I’m just going with it, looking forward to a better year. Thanks for replying to me, it helps not to feel alone.

[hilary39]

Are you doing any better now? Hope you're on the mend!

[Yellow-dog in reply to hilary39]

a bit, thankyou. I am on my third round of steroids, and antibiotics. I don’t have the lower back pain but quite a lot of chest pain.

[hilary39]

Ugh what a mess. I hate when you have to keep taking pred like that til the inflammation dies down. Sometimes it can take weeks or months for me. Take good care and get lots of rest.