Can anyone tell me what is causing my muscles to spasm

[Berylholley]

I have had a 2nd episode of this after reducing, first from 40mg to 35mg happened after 3 days. Had to have paramedics as it was so bad. Just reduced from 15mg to 12.5mg very bad after 5 days on 12.5mg. It starts with pain in either of right lower back muscles changes to another area and this time felt twisted every time I tried to moved in my right side of waist. Finishing up another day in my thorax area am I am now on about 5th day. Any advice please

[SnazzyD]

Hello, going to basics first, are you taking a magnesium supplement and eating foods high in potassium? Pred gets rid of these and this can affect the muscles if you get too low.

[Berylholley in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for reply,can you tell me what to get, I do sometimes eat bananas for potassium. Woke up and both sides of my waist hurt when I move.

[Rimmy]

Hi Berylholley

I am not sure how long you have been taking Pred - except very generally by looking at your previous posts - and I am assuming you have GCA given your doses. I also note you have had back trouble previously. The spasms could be part of another condition or they could even be caused by the Pred itself which can play a part in weakening of your muscles and tendons. I also have spasms in my leg - but these are related to an Achilles tendon - which is sometimes a side effect of Pred. But you really need to find a specific cause for your spasms as although supplements are often cited as being important - they are not always the major issue or importantly the cause of your problem.

It all sounds nasty - so hope you get some good medical intervention soon.

Best wishes

Rimmy

[Berylholley in reply to Rimmy]

Hi Rimmy I started on 40mg in May, suspected GCA I think it is caused by steroid reduction, I had an MRI Scan and have 3 fractures IN MY lower vertebrae. I have for the last week been on 13mg I am trying to get of them a.s.a.p I am 84. Am going to ring doctor today.

[Rimmy in reply to Berylholley]

Pleased you are ringing your doctor - as I would be guessing those fractures could be causing lots of pain which higher doses of Pred may have actually assisted. But obviously your situation is complex and I am no expert - I just hope you feel lots better really soon.

Best wishes

Rimmy

[Berylholley in reply to Rimmy]

When you say the pred may have assisted do you mean the higher doses of prednisolone could have made it worse? I hope it is not going to be a regular occurrence.

I have just spoken to doctor, I'm sure she has no idea of the pain I am having. I have asked to go on an oestrogen bone med called Raloxifene (Evista) have you come across it?

Hope your Achelles tendon improves I did mine once atempting to do aerobics with my 2 daughters I gave it my all and finished up with my feet flapping about.

[Rimmy in reply to Berylholley]

I meant that Pred could possibly also reduce pain in ways which are not just about your GCA - so that if you had back pain it could become more obvious as you taper down - BUT also high long term cumulative doses of Pred can cause problems in the first place - so kind of a contradiction or double bind.

Yes 'aerobics' isn't a great idea if you have weakened muscles and tendons - that would be a recipe for more disaster for me anyway ( ha ha !!)

Sorry I don't know anything about the medication you mentioned - I have never taken such a drug.