prednisone boost?

[yogabonnie]

So I have a long long flight to Sweden from Minnesota tomorrow, and I am still battling this fool costochondritis and was thinking maybe taking 10mg today and tomorrow (I'm at 8 now) to help with flight. Feeling lousy, exhausted and achy pretty much this last 2 weeks and thought it might help?????????? advice please!

[Lanakay]

I do not have an answer for you. I have had this twice. The second time was the worst. It felt like my lower ribs on my right side were cramping up and it would absolutely bend me over. I did see my doctor that time but all he could offer was a pain pill. I declined. I did e use a heating pad. The first time I had it it took 4-6 weeks to be completely gone. The second time not quite as long. I don’t have any advice but I sympathize with you. It hurts!!!

[yogabonnie in reply to Lanakay]

Thanks so much. Mine is dead center on my breast bone but xray showed no problem and costochondritis is the diagnosis. It hurts to breath! and sneezing OMG! haha. (and I made it WORSE by trying to lift the air conditioner out of the window. dumb.) I seem to run out of spoons more quickly with this extra disease. HOWEVER neither will kill me so I will only complain on this forum!!! It's indeed true Misery loves Company!!! thanks.

[SheffieldJane]

I wonder if the doctor can give you something to help with the pain. I don’t know if Diazepam would help you. It is very effective for my husband’s back spasms. Remember you will be feeling a bit anxious which magnifies everything. You are going to have the most Christmassy Christmas. Take a picture for us.

[Hidden]

Safe and restful journey! I hope you get sorted before the long flight... fingers crossed. Xxxx

[CT-5012]

Yes take a little extra day before and day of travel. Hope you have booked airport assistance. Have a fantastic time.

[HeronNS]

Reading up on this and WebMD claims that nsaids will help. Also applying either heat or cold (whichever works for the individual). I think I may have had this for a very long time, like nearly five years, although I never really made the connection, my doctor having told me I'd dislocated a rib, which would go back into place by itself.

webmd.com/pain-management/c...

[yogabonnie in reply to HeronNS]

wow 5 years. Perhaps it is what you have!!! since the dislocated rib seems to be taking its own sweet time!

[yogabonnie in reply to yogabonnie]

thanks for the link!

[HeronNS in reply to yogabonnie]

I can date it because it was the last thing I asked my doctor, who was about to retire, when I went in for something else, just asked in passing and as I appeared to have injured myself (doing yoga!) that was what he thought it must be. It is getting much better lately, at last.

[Grants148]

I am sorry you are feeling so unwell,l hope that you have a lovely time in spite of the discomfort .

[yogabonnie in reply to Grants148]

Thanks!! I am sure I will ! Grandsons can help cure anything!

[Joaclp]

I guess it is a little late to get a prescription medicine now if you are leaving tomorrow. Otherwise I would recommend a muscle relaxant. I was just given one for upcoming travel--for back spasms that have kept me awake. A real godsend. Have a wonderful trip.

[Telian]

Ibuprofen or Naproxen might help - you'll have a wonderful holiday

despite....sounds amazing.

[yogabonnie in reply to Telian]

thanks! am taking the tylenol it does help! (no naproxyn for me big bizzare allergy to it. !)

[piglette in reply to Telian]

I was told that both Ibuprofen and Naproxen are NSAIDs and there are contraindications with pred, so ideally should not be taken. It is suggested that other pain killers should be used.

[Telian in reply to piglette]

Thanks - I would say it needs to be agreed with Rheumie/GP and certainly not for long term use.

[Bronni]

The last 2 times Ihave almost gotten off the Pred - and I taper very slowly! - I have been hit with other inflammatory conditions. Last year it was pleurisy and now I have costochondritis. I was down to 1 mg per day and took an additional 5 mg. After a couple of days it’s under control and I feel fine. Personally,I think something extra is needed and I’m fortunate that I’ve never needed high doses. Now I start the long taper journey again, I do half a mg per month and think I’m going to stay on 1 1/2 mg for a good while as that seems to be my maintenance dose.

[yogabonnie in reply to Bronni]

Thank you for this information. It doesn't surprise me that other inflammatory things pop up. Probably annoyed the prednisone is going down!! haha. I am now at 9.5 from 7. I will stay here until it feels okay or at least until after the trip and the jet lag!! I think the adrenal glands doing their thing or beginning to might have had some effect also.... what a time. BUT at least I'm off today!

[lfu2]

Hi yogabonnie, The only medication to give me any relief was OraMorph. The pain was in my breastbone and was almost debilitating. I still suffer from it from time to time.

[yogabonnie in reply to lfu2]

I am so sorry you have had it too. But for me it really helps to know I am not alone. I did take some dilaudid I have from hip replacement which is morphine for a couple days and will bring it with me on this trip. just in case. IT does help!!! (I am so scared of being addicted but I guess 1 pill every few days does not an addict make!) thanks.

[PMRCanada]

I haven't upped my pred while travelling (to afraid to book anything just yet), however I did take a couple extra mgs recently at my step-son's wedding. I knew it was going to be a busy, long day, and I will say it was worth it (even got a few dances in). For special occasions, and in special circumstances, if a few more mgs. of pred will help and make life more comfortable, and livable, I think its ok. To each their own though, it is a personal decision. Of note, I did come right back down to my usual dose the next day.

Glad to hear you have some medication (dilaudid), to take with you. We often do fear addiction/dependence on pain medications, however they do serve a purpose and contribute to our quality of life. I hope you have a fabulous trip. Enjoy!

[Hidden in reply to PMRCanada]

I took extra for my Sons Wedding, not a day you can repeat so it’s definitely worth it!

[Hidden]

A little bit of Extra Pred wont do any harm especially on a long flight with time differences & airport security stress etc! It does sound very painful & really needs a treatment in isolation irrespective of the PMR/Pred. I had an antiflamatory for my back but it was selected with great care due to me being on Pred & Methotrexate. GP/Consultant decision.

Have a great time & hope the Meds you do take help.

Best Wishes

MrsN 🌺

Safe Flight ✈️

PS It’s probably not too late to book Airport Assistance, we managed to get it for me on the day, l felt such a fraud in my high heeled shoes but my Achilles tendon was playing up & high shoes helped!.....

[yogabonnie in reply to Hidden]

It's not a bad flight! Iceland air.. so takes off from easy quieter airport with fast security and 6 hours to iceland then 1 hour layover in delightful friendly easy to manage terminal (not like amsterdam!) and then 3 hours to Stockholm where everyone politely waits behind the yellow line and anyone I ask will help with the bags pulled off the carousel! then daughter will be waiting!!! and she will lug all!!