Sensitive question

[LarryLeek]

This is kind of a personal thing, but you guys are so GREAT when it comes to having answers for what we are all dealing with. I was just wondering if any of you since taking prednisone have tender, rather sore nipples? Mine have been almost ever since I started the prednisone. I told my rheumatologist more than once about it but he didn’t seem concerned. I’m realizing though that you seem to know more than him. So if any of you have dealt w/ this I’m just curious what your rheumatologist might have said about it or if this is a normal side effect. Thanks in advance & also Thank God for all of you. A blessing indeed.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Can't say I have ever noticed! However, a quick google found a few comments suggesting people on pred developed tender nipples. I wonder if the steroid messes with the hormone balance in some people...

[SheffieldJane]

I have sensitive breasts in general and have bought gossamer thin bras that don’t dig in or rub anywhere. This kind of makes sense from what PMRPro has surmised.

[Pongo13 in reply to SheffieldJane]

never connected before reading this, but since PMR I contain my boobage in non-wired bras.... Passed the wired variety to a charity.

[Hidden]

Definite tenderness in the chesticle area as my friend calls it.

[Soraya_PMR]

Is it possible that you need a larger cup size? Increased weight from pred has definitely affected my boobs (larger). Actually larger all over, size Larger for trousers, and T shirts beginning to stretch across tummy and boobs. Could be that you’re just a wee bit squashed? 😉

Also a couple of months back I had that ‘pre-period tenderness’ that used to be a monthly thing. But since I haven’t had a period for 7 years, I’d almost forgotten that feeling. It passed after a week, and I put it down to a general messing with my hormones by the pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Hi Soraya,

Funny you should mention the pre-period scenario - early days on Pred when I used to do an overnight taper my steroid withdrawal symptoms were exactly like the tetchiness if PMT! Hormones...hah!

[Soraya_PMR]

Hahaha! I’ve made myself embarrassed, hope I haven’t embarrassed you too!!!!

Just looked at your name....LARRY probably doesn’t wear a bra! Sorry sir!

However, I shall leave it stand (unless it offends you?) as it may apply to some ladies?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Soraya_PMR]

I believe t-shirt nipple is a recognised syndrome for gentlemen who run...

[Rugger in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Soraya

You've given me a smile! Have a look at Larry's posts on 'War against PMR' and you'll see his photo!

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Rugger]

Yup!

I think it’s safe to say I made a boob!

[LarryLeek in reply to Soraya_PMR]

lol no not @ all leave it up by all means.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to LarryLeek]

Thanks Larry 🙃

[ClaudeV]

Yes I have the same problem, nipple sensitivity had gone away since my menopause but I notice straight away when I started the steroids that some of the symptoms came back like post-menstrual syndrome. I do think it messes up with my hormonal system. I have started to reduce the dose and the sensitive nipples have gone down too. Can’t wait to see the back of all this...

[LarryLeek]

I saw my rheumatologist today & told him about all the pain I’ve been in along with the sleepless nights. He said he was waiting to get bk. the results where I was tested for Leukemia/lymphoma (which were negative). So he upped my dosage back from 5mg a day to 20mg for 2 weeks then I cut bk. to 15mg. I hope that’s not cutting bk. too much too fast, was hoping to stay on 20 longer than 2 weeks, but we shall see. I’ll keep you guys posted....

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to LarryLeek]

Hi Larry,

a bit longer on 20mg would have been good - agree with you there. Plus you may find the drop to 15mg a tad too much, some do. If possible try 2.5mg - if you only have 5mg tablets they can be cut so long as they aren’t the coated varity!

[LarryLeek in reply to DorsetLady]

They are 10 mg & if I only cut bk. .25mg vs .5 I’ll run out of prednisone b4 my next appt. so I’m kinda stuck there. Plus that’s what he instructed 🙁

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to LarryLeek]

Okay, but just be aware that it might be too big a drop. You can but only try. Hope it goes well.

[LarryLeek in reply to DorsetLady]

I know, I hope it won’t effect me too bad & thankyou DL. I will definitely keep you posted.

[Margot23 in reply to LarryLeek]

Hi Larry, my GP prescribes 5mg, 2.5mg and 1mg Prednisilone as needed so I can manage the ‘decrease’ more easily. From my own experience, I think a 5mg drop is rather a lot. Good luck.

[BonnyQuine in reply to Margot23]

Ditto.

[SheffieldJane in reply to LarryLeek]

Glad to hear those tests came back clear Larry. Sorry that I subjected you to female- centric chat too. Where is Mark when you need him?

[LarryLeek in reply to SheffieldJane]

Oh you are fine SJ your comments are ALWAYS very welcome in my posts/comments. I’m blessed to be here for sure.

[Twopies]

Yes, my nipples are very tender and sore. All the time now. I'm on 6 mg. pred, have had pmr since 09/16. I can now tolerate only the softest of nightgowns and clothing. Worrisome, to say the least.

[Rosedail]

HI Larry: Distance runners put petroleum jelly on their nipples before a long run to keep the chaffing down...just a thought.