Sickness

[pammy_hyland]

Does anybody know what to do if I can't even keep my steroids down due to a sickness bug ???

[SheffieldJane]

PMRpro once told me that they are in your blood stream after one hour. When I had a violent vomiting bug I felt like I'd lost the Pred and saw a worsening of symptoms, which righted itself as the bug receded. If it goes on too long I would certainly see your doctor. I suppose injections would be an alternative.

[pammy_hyland in reply to SheffieldJane]

I don't think I can keep them down for an hour even thankyou for your help x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As long as they stay down for an hour or so you should have absorbed them. If you can't keep them down that long - then you probably need to speak to a doctor because you are going to get very dehydrated if you can't keep anything down.

It also very much depends what dose you are on and how long you have been on pred. If it is a while and you are at well above 5mg you may need to get the doctor to give you an injection to avoid an adrenal crisis.

If you feel really unwell besides the sickness bug and the symptoms include any of these:

"Symptoms and signs of adrenal crisis can include any of the following:

Abdominal pain or flank pain

Confusion, loss of consciousness, or coma

Dehydration

Dizziness or light-headedness

Fatigue, severe weakness

Headache

High fever

Loss of appetite

Low blood pressure

Nausea, vomiting

Rapid heart rate

Rapid respiratory rate

Slow, sluggish movement

Unusual and excessive sweating on face or palms"

don't hesitate to dial 999 and tell them you are on long term steroids and haven't been able to keep your tablets down. Most people on lower doses can go for a day and the worst that will happen is you get very stiff and sore again. But higher doses are a bit more of a problem - especially if you are ill anyway which is more of a stress.

[pammy_hyland in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou for your help.I did manage to keep them down I've been on them for 5 years and have settled at 5mgs finerly .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to pammy_hyland]

Oh good - I was a bit late to the party - been out in the sun most of the day, it has been just like late summer!

At 5mgs you're probably fine to miss a day but if you have the stress of being ill and getting dehydrated as well it all adds up. Hope you are feeling better now - nothing I hate more than feeling/being sick...

[Pred60lady]

Hi, I was ill with a similar type of nasty tummy upset and I was told to double up on my pre for 2 days

[Pred60lady]

Hi, me again I meant to add that it is best to contact your Rheumatology Nurse who will advise you or your Consultants secretary who will get back to you.