Prednisone 20 mg raising my need for more blood pressure med in addition to beta blocker.

[Aleish]

I have PMR and probably GCA. Seeing doc second time on completion of diagnosis and med assessment today. Althouogh I do a salt free, heart healthy diet and am a lightweight female I have developed HBP around a couple of years ago when this above disease must of started. I did have angina for last 17 years and managed it with diet. Now on prednisone and pressure is going up too high. Although I'm not retaining fluid my PC gave me a 25 mg water pill. I don't retain fluid and fear taking this pill because I don't want to cause problems in my minerals. Before the prednisone the cardiologist was not successful prescribing other HBP meds. I present with a defect in the mthfr gene through the 23 and me test and I believe that is the problem gene. The testing said no Ace inhibitors because they would only make my pressure high, which they already had done. Many different combos were tried without success. I am in Coreg 12.5 mgs twice a day. It works but still allows some spiking and not keeping pressure low enough Only thing left is this water pill. I need to get my pressure normal and I don't know how rheumatologist will be able to raise prednisone to a better dose. Have to have new sed rates, I would think today he will know what direction it's going in. The 20 mg is taking most of my pain away. Posiibly the dose will be sufficient. Any input would be appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Why does the doctor think "probably GCA"?

[PMRandRA]

Firstly, stop eating high GI carbs. Potatoes, pasta, all cereals, bread, root veg and sugar! That is cakes, cookies, sweets etc etc. And no sweeteners!

Drink plenty of fluids, 2 to 3 litres a day including your teas coffees, water.

Eat full fat daily. Yoghurt, cream, cheese etc

Eat everything else as you usually would except low fat foods which actually make you fat.

Eat as much veg as you want and have mediterranean type salads.

Keep your calorie intake low, 1000 a day or less.

It works. I have lost 28 lbs on steroids and under active thyroid! My steroid induced diabetes is in remission. Hopefully for ever.

No harm in trying. Hard work but worth the results.

xxxxx