Feeling tired.

[chullerman]

I am new to this having been diagnosed about three months ago with pmr.I initialy felt so much better but am getting verry tired again this is hard when at work and i find myself catnaping.I have gone from 10mgs to 8mgs over this period and will be reducing again soon not back at the specialist till sept also getting alot of head aches is this connected or normal.

[polkadotcom]

Fatigue is one of the problems associated both with PMR and with steroids, although I think it's rare to get a double whammy. I never found anything to help with it and even now there are times when I just have to go with the flow and take a nap.

I know what you mean about working - I often used to sneak off to the Ladies, make myself as comfortable as possible and doze for a few minutes. It did help.

What kind of headaches are you getting? Although you can get 'steroid reduction headaches' whatever type they are it is something which you should talk to your doctor about in case s/he feels that more tests are advisable.

Catie

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi chullerman,

Just keep an eye on your headaches, suggest you read up on GCA symptoms. Probably not that, but you should be aware, and if in any doubt speak to GP. Fatigue is all part and parcel of this thing I'm afraid. Take care Dorset Lady,

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi chullerman

You would be wise to get the head pain checked out with your GP to rule out the linked condition, GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis). If you are someone who had raised blood test markers at diagnosis, then these tests should really be repeated before each reduction in the steroid dose. If the inflammation isn't being controlled and you are still reducing, then that could put you at risk of contracting GCA. If you develop any problems with your vision, then you should seek emergency advice as higher dose steroids will be needed in order to protect your eyesight.

Although fatigue is one of the common symptoms of PMR, it probably isn't being helped by the fact that you are still working. Is it possible for your to take some sick leave perhaps until you feel much better?

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

Hi there

Seeing as you have only been on the steroids for 3 months it seems that they are bringing you down on the dosage ever so fast. So it wouldn't be surprising to me if your symptoms are showing themselves again. The steroids don't cure anything, just keep the inflammation tamped down, so if we drop to quickly or too far the symptoms will rear their ugly heads again. And fatigue is one of the issues that patients consistently report. As you are still working, you need to confront the fact that you still have a condition that is affecting your whole system, and not think (as I did for a long while) that because I was on the steroids I should be able to carry on as though nothing was happening. Be kind to yourself and, if you can, tell Occupational Health about your condition. If you need a couple of weeks off sick to help your system restore itself, take them. We tend to be our own worst enemies not admitting that we do have a long-term illness. For people who have been fit and active before the PMR diagnosis, this can be a difficult thing to do. But it is worth it in the end.

take care

Kate

[chullerman in reply to Polywotsit]

Thank you Kate I think you make some good points,but work for a samll firm and cant take time off verry easy although I have taken this week off a a holiday thanks to everyone else who commented.