Steroids and the dentist

I recently filled a repeat prescription for my steroids (on them since July this time) and for the first time ever, they gave me a card to show any doctor or dentist I might have to see. Does anyone know why? In all the years ive been on and off them, I've never been given this before!

[Jessy11]

I was given a little blue card when I was discharged from hospital. I take steroid tablets very occasionally if I have a chest infection. Think it is in the event of you needing treatment & the carrying of this card tells anyone you are on steroids.

Keep well 😀

[Hidden in reply to Jessy11]

Ah ok! I was thinking maybe it affected you somehow and you'd need more pain relief at the dentist!! Spot the person with the morbid fear of dentists!!

[Jessy11 in reply to Hidden]

Me too! I hate going to the dentist! In fact I don't think there are a lot of people who do!

No just put the card in your purse or handbag & carry it with you should you need unexpected treatment.

Keep smiling 😀

[frose]

I think it's to inform you, as well as medical staff should you need further, or unexpected, treatment

[Hidden in reply to frose]

Thanks a mil

[grannyjan]

Strangely enough I don't get given a card anymore, have been on steroids for years for RA. It is something to do with natural cortisol being supressed. I think we produce more cortisol at times like needing surgery, so they need to know if yours is supressed so they act on it if need be. Or something like that, it also depends on the dose. my dentist said they need to know just as a precaution. Sorry not very scientific but hope you get the gist.

jan x

[Hidden in reply to grannyjan]

It's weird. I've been on and off them for years and this is the first time I got it! Do you find you have any side effects from the steroids? (I hope you don't mind me asking). I'm in a lot of pain constantly- my joints and gp said its the steroids

[grannyjan in reply to Hidden]

It certainly could be but I am on them because of joint pain! I don't suffer from on going side effects, but over the years have had to have 2 cataracts removed, and my blood pressure needs keeping controlled, but I have been on them so long I don't have day to day side effects. Hopefully it might settle down once you get used to taking them. One thing tho' best take them on a morning as they can stop you sleeping. take care. jan x

[Hidden in reply to grannyjan]

Thanks Jan. I've been on and off them periodically the past 8 years, this time since July but only in the last month the pain has started. If I hadn't already had flu I would think it's that. I take them first thing in the morning, thanks for the tip! Have gotten used to them now so sleep isn't affected! I'm actually taking a natural steroid now to try mask the pain and it's helping somewhat.

Thanks for your help xxx

[grannyjan in reply to Hidden]

Hope the pain settles soon. take care.

jan x

[stone-UK]

Hi

Have read, fully explains.

wales.nhs.uk/sites3/Documen...

[Hidden in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you so much. Very helpful

[scorpiolass]

Yes, I carry a steroid warning card. Stone' link explains it well. X

[Hidden]

Thank you all so much x

[freefaller]

I was given one of those years ago. Have never been on steroids long term. Had been on steroids previous to that and never given one and now that card has fallen to bits and never been given one since. Is everyone being given them again? Was given mine back in 1988!

[Hidden in reply to freefaller]

I'm in Ireland so probably different here. We don't have those blue cards

[Rosarybeads999]

Hi I have just recently recovered from pneumonia coughing up blood asthma and COPD I was in hospital12 days on release of I was given two blue cards weird you never been given any. Aldo I have noticed despite constantly brushing yh my teeth have s slight yellow hue to them since steroid orally hope this helps regards rosarybeads999

[tinkle123]

You certainly do need to carry the card with you everywhere. It's because when on steroids, if you need medical attention Doctors etc have to know your on steroids to factor in any treatment they're giving you.

Stay well

MARY