Getting back to steroids

[fuzzybear]

I'm sorry, this might be a long one. I had cataract surgery on my left eye and in the process got some fungal spores in it, so consequently the eye had to come out. Among other things I was given an anti-fungal tablet (Voriconazole) 200mg twice a day. Now the medics said that the steroids were inhibiting the anti-fungal from working so they stopped the steroids. Luckily I was on 5mg and ready to go down to 4 1/2. I have had no flares but feel so tired, my legs and arms feel heavy and all my get up and go has gone. I come off the anti-fungal in a weeks time, what should I do, go back to the 5mg of pred and continue dropping as I was or continue as I am and hope things get better. Thank you for reading this.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I think if it were me and I managed to get through the next week of the anti fungal I would immediately get back on the 5mg dose and see if you feel better. Fingers crossed that it works on both counts - it sounds as though you've had quite enough to contend with already.

[fuzzybear in reply to Celtic]

Thank you Celtic. Yes I have really been through the mill but getting better now. I'm really hoping the steroids pick me up - I'm due at a wedding on 10th Sept so I have a week to get my mo-jo back.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

One reason your ' get up and go' has gone could be due to your adrenal glands not back in working order as yet, so you probably need a little help from the Pred until they do.

Don't think it would be wise not to go back on the Pred, even though you might consider it, too risky. The last thing you need on top of everything else is a full blown flare.

Hope things soon improve, you certainly deserve it.

[fuzzybear in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your input. I think you're probably right about the adrenal glands, it sure feels like it. I really don't think I could cope with a full blown flare at the moment, although hubby has been really good - getting meals etc. So I'm not coping on my own, thank goodness.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Discuss it with your doctor - it is possible you might get away with either a lower dose of pred to aid those ailing adrenals or it might be better to use hydroxycortisone at this stage - it is recommended as a way of encouraging the adrenal glands to wake up better. Many endocrinologists would use it rather than pred at that level and so do some rheumatologists. This would seem to be an ideal opportunity to switch.

[fuzzybear in reply to PMRpro]

You have a good idea PRMpro I hadn't thought of that. I'll male an appointment to see him and see what he says.