Update on this long and complicated journey!

[suzy1959]

So, 5 plus years of PMR and still on 10.5 mgs. Pred, but the worst pain is from the OA I have developed during this time in both knees and my Right hip. The good news is that I now have a plan and this has really helped me to feel better and less overwhelmed by my pain. The local pain clinic are offering me treatment for my knees which involves burning off the nerves to reduce pain. So far they have done a test on the right one and it seems to be working! This week, I am paying to have a gastric balloon placed in my stomach by endoscope for 6 months so that I can lose enough weight to have my hip replaced asap.

I am quite apprehensive about this balloon but it is the only procedure that the bariatric surgeon will perform as all the other procedures involve surgery and he is concerned about the Pred. with surgery.

My hope is that I will be able to walk again soon and go back to swimming- both activities beyond me at the moment. I would also dearly love to be better in time for my daughter's wedding next August.

[SheffieldJane]

Wow Suzy you've been going through it! Your plan I think is sound and brave. The only way that I have lost serious weight is heartbreak and we don't want that do we?

Let us know how it all goes. You are making an investment in your future, you will feel 20 years younger.

No melted ice cream through a straw now! If I were you I would start pretending that the balloon is in and start with the soup and the juices - who knows you might be able to do it. 🌸

[Rose54]

Hi suzy

I hope things improve for you

Its been a long time and 10.5 to zero I think sometimes looks impossible

Good luck with balloon and hope you are in a place you are happy with next August

Rose

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All the best suzy!

[Patricia157]

I was on 7.5 mg Prednisone when I had my hip replacement and had no problems at all.

Best wishes

[5lupins]

Glad you have a plan that will help you feel better .

Good wishes. Jen

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Fingers crossed on all fronts, Suzy.

[ValFF53]

Hello Suzy.

I often think of you and wasn't sure when you were having balloon fitted. Hope procedure and post-operative recovery goes well and you lose the necessary weight in order to have your hip surgery done in the not too distant future. Valerie xxx

[Slowdown]

You sound very positive and organised, Suzy - always good to have a goal to focus on and a special wedding is worth all your efforts. Very good luck with your plans.

[suzy1959]

Thank you for all your good wishes. It is amazing how supportive people are on this forum. I belong to a couple of other forums here and there is nowhere near the support that we have here on those! Believe me, it has kept me going on numerous occasions,so thanks again. xx

[Lafontainepam1]

Good luck Suzy, I too have been on Prednizone for over 5 years. At 7 now. Had pain in my tailbone, and hips. Went to a chiropractor/manipulate and after 2 months pain almost gone. Now I just have to deal with the PMR. I love your spirit, don't forget to rest along the way💕💕💕

[Jackoh]

Hi have often wondered how you are getting on. All the very best for the op and your daughter's wedding. Remember you were constantly stuck at I think 17 mg so sometimes it's good to remember where we've come from and celebrate the positives. Best wishes Jackie X

[ValFF53]

Hello Suzy.

I often think of you.

I hope that the procedure was OK and your post-operative weight loss is going well so that hip replacement surgery will be a possibility in the not-to-distant future.

With warmest wishes

Valerie