Chest question

[teesher]

I've had pmr 2 years and been on 6mg pred for a couple of months. Had a horrible chest infection for last two weeks, worst I've felt for years. Weird thing is, my pmr symptoms have all but disappeared since this bug took hold. I know it can't have gone, it's just strange that I can walk, run (a bit), and turn over in bed without a crane. I feel 'normal'. Could it be that my immune system has stabilised with having to deal with the chest infection. I really don't know what I'm talking about. Would appreciate your comments.

[SheffieldJane]

How interesting. You aren’t taking more Pred for the infection are you? I think you would need to put that question to an immunologist.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that was true?

I hope it is. Get well soon. 🌹

[teesher in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi Jane, no change in medication at all, no antibiotics. Who knows..

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

teesher, it isn’t often we hear people say they have found that having a virus or infection resolved their PMR symptoms, so lucky you in that sense. I wonder if you have had more rest as a result of the chest infection? If so, that may have helped, and long may it continue. Even so, best not to contemplate a reduction in your steroid dose until the infection has completely cleared up. Good luck!

[Longtimer]

Are you on antibiotics?...I have read this happens when people take them with PMR, this has often begged the question....why can`t we take antibiotics instead of pred.......

Hope you are well soon...

[teesher in reply to Longtimer]

No antibiotics. Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have you been on antibiotics? Occasionally an antibiotic has an antiinflammatory effect on PMR. We had a colleague from Hungary whose wife developed what was thought to be PMR/GCA and found the pred side effects unnacceptable (she was already a buxom wench) - and her scientist husband and her rheumies agreed to try a year of antibiotics. Which appeared to work. Of course PMR burns out for most people and in variable time so a study of one is meaningless.

Unfortunately using antibiotics for PMR brings its own problems - and not just for us.

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Yes my sister has RA, she went in hospital to have gall bladder removed, they then suspected infection and gave her antibiotics.....she was amazed at how the pain had gone and could move freely, when she told doctor on his rounds.....he dismissed it and said it's because you are resting......to which she replied that she always stiffens up when not mobile.....of course she was ignored...

[teesher in reply to PMRpro]

None at all. I've avoided the doctor - he sees enough of me with the pmr.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to teesher]

So it must be the transferance of pain principle!!!!! I have to say - it didn't work for me a few weeks ago!!!!!

[SheffieldJane]

Just enjoy it teesher. I expect that it is no use speculating, or looking a gift horse in the mouth. Let us know how you get on.

[teesher in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi Jane, I will let you know. I don't think the pmr can have gone. It's a 'neighbour' that likes to outstay its welcome. Due a blood test in a few weeks.

[bunnymom]

I do hope that's true and you are done with it all!