A wound and PMR

[DianeA1]

Dear friends,

Yesterday, a dog bit my calf. I was really lucky. Only five puncture wounds, nothing worse. (Dog had current rabies shots) My best friend who is an EMT was driving up when it happened so she dressed the wound and off to ER we went where it was redressed. Amoxicillan for infection and a painkiller were prescribed. I confirmed wi Doc and pharmacist that it was OK to take all this while on Pred.

Today, my question to you is regarding having a wound and taking Pred & Amoxicillan. I take Pred at 2am, and will take the Amox with breakfast and dinner.

Also, pain level is very minimal so no need for the painkiller at all. Is the Pred masking it?

Thank you!

Diane

Dxd 1/2018 and 15 mgs Pred

On DL's taper plan and toggling 10.5-10 mgs Pred

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Diane,

Poor you! Good job your friend was around and everything sorted quickly.

I took Amoxicillin on high doses of Pred with no adverse reactions, so at 10mg you should be fine.

As for 10mg masking pain - it may be, but as you’ve got the painkillers might be wise to take them for a few days (even at a reduced dose) just as precaution- you don’t want to give the PMR any excuse to “wake up and rumble!”

[DianeA1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for pointing out that this may be an episode that wakes the monster. While i have read about that here, it didn't dawn on me.

Thing is, i have no pain yet! However, now i am alert.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'm not sure how pred would really deal with the pain of the bites. It is a pain-reliever for PMR and GCA because it relieves the inflammation that causes swelling and so pain - so I suppose it may reduce the swelling that would result from the trauma and so reduce the potential for pain. Personally I wouldn't take the painkillers unless I felt a need for them - but it is up to you.

[DianeA1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for that. I will pace myself even more so it just heals.

[SheffieldJane]

Golly what a shock Diane! I doubt Pred would mask pain from puncture wounds.

For what it’s worth I think your dosing schedule sounds fine. Someone may well know better.

What Good luck that your friend was just there, your guardian angel is working overtime.

[DianeA1 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you! Yes, while i did get bitten, there are so many blessings one after another that could have gone sideways quickly but didn't. Grateful!

[Purplecrow]

My experience has been that the trauma/stress around the event may well be more significant than the pain aspect. Emotional response to the unexpected could trigger some PMR response. It would be wise to pay close attention to your PMR symptoms, to see if mini-flare response might be triggered.

My suggestion would be to hold off on next taper for a bit of time...to allow your system to catch up.

Kind regards, Jerri

Dx: PMR, 2013,

Currently 7 mg pred(post flare)

[DianeA1 in reply to Purplecrow]

Ok Jerri, that makes good sense. I do feel more 'on alert,' so i will stay at 10.5 for a bit. Thank you.

[Hidden in reply to Purplecrow]

Yes Purplecow, I have noticed that my emotional response to things plays a huge part in how I feel and the symptoms I experience. Things I'm not even aware of, as triggering a strong emotional response, play havoc with my physical self. 😳

[Hidden]

Wow! Bummer. I hope you heal quickly!

[jennifer15]

Poor you, I think you are being very brave and philosophical. Get well soon..all the best, Jenny

[Grants148]

Get well soon Diane,l hope your leg heals without any complications regarding your PMR,it is so true that our emotions can cause a flare up .

[Jackoh]

What a shock! Hope all goes well for you with healing and having a smooth journey through all this.

[DianeA1]

Thank you all. Two days after dog bite and all is well. That jiggied up feeling like I had to be prepared for something and on alert has calmed down. Got in food and bandages so DH and i are hunkered down with movies for the day. Staying on 10.5 mgs.

The info and second opinions all over this forum are a great help. All y'all are wonderful!!