Sincere Greetings to You Lot here - whether Newbies, Veterans, Aunties, or anyone else who is daft enough to follow my rambles. (For you Newbies, I mean 'You Lot' in the nicest possible sense and with tongue firmly-in-cheek)
Well, what to say and where to start? I'm a great believer in delivering bad news followed by more positive news, so here goes:
First, the Bad news:
Yes, I'm still here despite being AWOL for a few weeks - although I'm sure no-one noticed (he said, cowering behind the sofa and clutching teddy in anxious anticipation of some expressions of sympathy). Be careful what you wish for, if wanting more of this nonsense...
Now, the Good news:
Having eventually fought-off an energy-sapping 2-week 'Summer' (?) Flu bug (which a few of you have also mentioned in the UK - with a host of other nasty, associated symptoms as you report), I'm feeling much brighter and more energetic mentally and physically. Yes, PMR + the Preds + Bugs / Viruses + any other health condition can really drain the life out of us. On, and forwards...
My conclusion(s)?
1. As always, try to roll-with it and be kind to yourself with any combination of PMR, steroid tapering, bugs and viruses, other health conditions etc. They all conspire to make Life miserable for us, and for those - and for those around us. In my experience, PMR and Pred tapering (to manage it)is very-much a 'Snakes and Ladders' process where, for many, our best 'plans' can be sabotaged by the mysterious and unpredictable course of the illness itself.
2. Don't forget that Time, itself, can be a great healer for many of our challenges and ailments along the way.
3. Choose your health advisors carefully. Even the best of Professionals aren't always right, and don't ever be afraid to question them or ask for a second opinion. Many folks here say that this forum is a much richer and reliable resource of collective expertise, advice and support than most medics could ever dream of providing. Enough said..?
4. Trust your judgement - if you feel truly rotten with PMR / GCA (in any way, and for any reason), act on it and don't take chances. With suspected or actual GCA symptoms, especially, time is of the essence.
4. Try to stay positive when feeling low, for whatever reason. As with many things in Life, 'This, too, will Pass'.
5. A few smiles and some laughter help in the process of coping, at least. There's some hard research evidence out there to support this idea (releasing 'pleasure' endorphins etc?).
That's it. Have a great weekend all, and try to keep smiling on the Journey
MB