Well there isn't much I haven't been able to find at least something out about on this fab forum - and now I see there is a possible relationhsip between Pred and the problem I am currently having with an Achilles tendon. I think some too ambitious exercise did it with my Achilles in my left leg feeling quite stiff - so that I am having trouble walking without hobbling - which is uncomfortable rather than very painful.
I started reading all about this 'new' problem before seeing a physio tomorrow and then discovered - thanks mainly (again) to PMRpro that our tendons are more 'fragile' when we take Pred especially sometimes in combination with some other drugs (which I am myself - fortunately - not taking). Think I'll get this sorted in time but I just wanted to highlight it is a possible interrelationship - even 'side effect' that is worth bearing in mind if you are undertaking (maybe too 'ambitious) exercise and also that THIS forum is an invaluable place to make such 'connections'.
Best to you all
Rimmy
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Rimmy
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Thanks Rimmy! Sorry to hear you are "hobbling" around! Be careful doing that as well, as I've been "hobbling" around for months now, with my knee, and the HOBBLING has created other issues!!!! You just cant win, for losing, it seems!!!! xxx
I had been to see my GP two days before complaining about Achilles' tendon soreness in my right ankle. Told him I'd read that Prednisone can affect Achilles' tendons. He said "so you've read about how it can cause spontaneous rupture?" I said nooooooo...lol. Hadn't heard that! Two days later my left tendon ruptured, not my sore right one. I think it was carrying something heavy up the stairs. So be careful on your hill and stairs!
I was told to avoid hills and to be careful even with kerbs at the road - the slightest trip can cause a tear because the tendon is so delicate in its inflamed state.
Thanks PMRpro for that info - I thought it was improving but I jarred it badly tonight coming down some stairs -I am starting to see this is 'something else' and to boot I have had to up my steroid dose - oh dear !!
Also I have to have surgery on my left one to repair or replace the tendon but the surgeon wants to wait until I am off the evil Prednisone. I am down to 9 now, going to 8 next week. I can walk on it with a slight limp so I'm fine waiting.
I needed a hip op and the surgeon wanted me off steroids. I knew that I would be in agony if I went to zero. He actually agreed to 5mg in the end. I think if you are on a low dose they will operate.
I am "planning" to be off November 6th! I know plans go awry but IF I can successfully decrease 1 mg every 2 weeks (I have GCA only) that's the first date of no pred!!
I developed achilles tendonitis when my GP gave me a quinolone antibiotic when I was on Medrol. I spent the next 9 months with crutches to reduce the risk of falling but,, touch wood, I have no problems at all now. I will say - I used crutches and both of then from start to finish and was told by doctors to do so. After an initial crisis when I tripped while walking on grass and my entire back musculature went into spasm, once that had been treated and sorted out I had few "out of balance" problems.
I remain 'surprised' I hadn't seen any discussion of this aspect of long term steroid use until now - but I guess with ALL the 'possible' side effects which can impact each of us in different combinations - it was just a matter of 'time' !! Still it helps to know if you can do any 'prevention' at all ...
I must have 'missed' this discussion but maybe I just dismissed it as not on my agenda - easy to do with so many 'possible' side effects. Fortunately I haven't had too many others and until now counted myself very 'lucky' - but if this is 'one' (a side effect that is) it isn't something I'd wish on anyone else.
I hope that this latest challenge is “ smashed” along with the others. My family now completely ignore the blood curdling yelps that come from me when I ascend the stairs. Joys!!
Just ploughed through 118 posts in my in box to get to yours. Yes my ankle gives way painfully. I have a number of symptoms that suggest that key muscles, tendons and ligaments have loosened/ weakened. The worst is a feeling of almost pins and needles and weakness in my arms and legs, intermittently.
That doesn't sound very 'good' ! So far after 18 months on Pred I have only had the problem with my left achilles tendon which seems to be improving - but time will tell no doubt. We just don't need these 'extra' things to contend with ☹️☹️☹️
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