URGENT QUESTION

[Cheshy72]

It is 8.30 am here in Melbourne. Woke up at 6.15 and literally could not move my arms. It is Saturday and was planning to go to Doctor and request prednisone as I am not going to last until the 18th Oct when I see Rheumatologist. I remembered my Son in Law had been prescribed Prednisone about 6 mths ago for PMR in his hips. He is only 50 it took 3 mths and he was okay.

I have just rung him he has left over tablets of 25grs. I will pick them up this afternoon. My question is Will I take my 1st tablet late tonight or the early hours of tomorrow morning?

Why I have had to be in pain for 3 mths is beyond me. It is partly my own fault. Anyway thank you to all the wonderful people on this site.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

If it was me, I'd take the pred as soon as I got my hands on it. I wouldn't look at the clock. But do eat something with it. Lots of us swear by yogurt as a good stomach liner.

You can always adjust the tme each day by a couple of hours forward or back and get to a more comfortable timeframe. But I wouldn't wait for the relief. I'd take it now.

[Cheshy72 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Thanks it will be this aftetnoon. I have judt been vomiting. Oh hell. I thought I was being clever taking 2 heavy duty codeine tablets at 6.15 this morning on an empty stomach. Hence being sick. Cant wait to take the prednisone now after resisting like an idiot. Thanks again.Cheryle x

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Cheshy72]

You might have some trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, but I did exactly what I'm recommending to you when I got my prescription filled in mid-afternoon. I stopped whimpering within a few hours. I felt much better in the next few days, and got back to a near normal sleeping pattern (for me) in a couple of weeks. Never having been a world-champion sleeper anyway, I wasn't much bothered by snoozing from 11PM to 4AM. I work so napping during the week is out, but I get good long naps on weekends.

It's a long haul back to near normal. But you'll get there.

Take care. We are all pulling for you.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

It wouldn't hurt to get some Vitamin D3 and some calcium. Take them seperately from pred - I wait 4 hours.

[Cheshy72 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Okay. Will do

[klairv0yant in reply to Cheshy72]

Yikes codeine needs coating of the stomach for sure . Oyster crackers are upon my dresser for such occasions to help absorb, slow the flow of meds

[Cheshy72]

Thanks so much. I am the world champion insomniac. Happy to get up and watch tv. X

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Cheshy72,

I know you are getting desperate, but really you shouldn't be taking tablets prescribed for someone else. If you've read any posts on here you will know that Pred is not something to be taken lightly.

I felt in such pain before my diagnosis that I took so many painkillers that I kept a diary so I didn't overdose, but no way would I have taken somebody else's prescription drugs. There were plenty in the house!

If you feel you can't get through until Tuesday then you need to go to hospital A&E dept, but not down the route you are suggesting.

[Cheshy72 in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi,. I know what you mean and normally I would never take another persons medication. I have already taken 1 and will take 1 Sunday and 1 Monday. Then I will go to the Doctor. It will only be 3 tablets and if I get relief I then it's seems to be conclusive that it is PMR. I will then be guided by the Doctor until I have the Rheumatologist appointment on the 18th. What a nightmare.

This morning laying in bed unable to move wanting to cry but I couldn't even be bothered to cry. Later on vomitimg from taking Strong painkillers on an empty stomach. Now it is a few hours to bed time and am feeling better.

Just hope I havnt depressed everyone.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Cheshy72]

No you haven't - and I (bearing in mind my GCA journey- bumpy to put it mildly) fully understand your dilemma, but I can't be seen to approve what you've done.

But I do wish you well and sincerely hope you get the correct treatment asap.

[Cheshy72 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorsetlady. I appreciate your concern.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Cheshy72]

As others have said - please let us know what happens.

[Cheshy72 in reply to DorsetLady]

I will def keep you posted. X

[piglette in reply to Cheshy72]

Hi Cheshy

It really is not a good idea to take someone else's pred. Any tests may come up with readings that look as if things are OK and they are not. You may need tests before taking any. I can understand your frustration though.

[1Purplecrow]

Hope you get some relief. Keep us posted .

[Cheshy72]

I will do that x

[SheffieldJane]

I agree with DL if you are totally immobile call an ambulance. This will fast forward you to the treatment and dosage you need. Don't muddy the picture with someone else's drugs. I do know what that pain is like. Hoping you get total relief really soon!

[Grants148]

Cheshy 72 l agree with Sheffieldjane and Dorset lady,if the pain is so acute you need treatment very quickly,l would call an ambulance.l hope you will soon be feeling much better ,l would be very cautious taking prednisolone that is not prescribed by a doctor,they should know just how much you need to relive your exstreme pain.All the best xx