PMR new girl.

[BoltonleSandsB]

Two months in on 15mgs of steroids and been reduced to 12/50mgs. So far so good! Love reading your messages and stories they have given me great comfort especially Dorset Lady. Just wanted to ask if others have experienced heartburn? Also I feel generally stressed like I can't relax but always have to be occupied. Is this the polymyalgia or the steroids? I am lucky to live by Morecambe Bay and find walking there helps me to relax and try to put things in perspective. Good luck to everyone 😘

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Are you on ordinary plain white pred? Were you given "stomach protection" medication - ranitidine or a PPI, omeprazole for example? Some people suffer gastric irritation with pred and that can cause heartburn. Many of us have used yoghurt to help such problems.

[BoltonleSandsB in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for rapid response! Yes just on ordinary pred so will ask the doctor at my review in ten days about coated tablets and omeprazole in the meantime I will watch what I eat and have the occasional omeprazole from my husband!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to BoltonleSandsB]

If you have coated pred you can usually manage without a PPI. And in the meantime - ranitidine/Zantac is available from the chemist and has different/fewer potential side effects than a PPI but does almost exactly the same job.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Stressed feeling is probably due to steroids, but maybe you getting used to your new situation as well.

I always try and get a fix of the sea on a daily basis, not always achieveable, but so relaxing, especially if you can find a quiet spot and just listen to the waves! Bliss!

[BoltonleSandsB in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes I think you are right , my family are very understanding but don't seem to think polymyalgia is a big deal? I find it quite daunting to be on medication for the foreseeable future and also all the stories about GCA! Agree with you about the sea and the call of the oyster catchers I am calmed. Have a lovely day DL.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to BoltonleSandsB]

Hi again,

No most families/friends don't- which is why this forum is good - we do!

Will send a message with some info which may help them, or you to explain to them.

Don't worry about taking the Pred long term, yes it does have some nasty side effects, but they mainly occur at high doses, and all can be treated anyway. They're no worse than many other tablets people take. And so what if you need to take for a long time - if they improve your quality of life that's what it's all about.

[PMRandRA in reply to BoltonleSandsB]

Lets hope that none of your family ever get it then. xxxx

[PMRandRA]

Absolutely yes the docs call it acid reflux. The key is to never take pred on an empty or even partially empty stomach. You might even get mouth thrush especially if you hang on to the pills in your mouth before swallowing. If you do get thrush see your doc immediately. No need to suffer, it is fixed quickly. As for the acid reflux, your doctor can prescribe

Omeprazole which is very effective but has to be taken daily until you are no longer on steroids.

All the best xxxxx

🌸

[BoltonleSandsB in reply to PMRandRA]

Thank you so much for your advice. What a comfort having you guys out there! Yes the tablets do taste pretty grim and I do always eat before taking them so let's see if omeprazole does the trick. Take care.