Stomach virus.. Should I increase pred for a few days?

[bunnymom]

I've had a nasty stomach virus for a few days. PMR symptoms under control. Should I increase pred for a few days? Just thinking of adrenal glands. I've had a headache all day but could be due to no caffeine. Thanks friends.

[SheffieldJane]

I don’t know, if you’ve had sickness etc. You may be on the low side. A bit extra might support your recovery . Your own Adrenaline would normally but it might be a bit depleted. I am instructed to double my dose if I get sick or stressed.

[Purplecrow]

Hi Bunny, please make sure u are drinking lots of water. Illness and tummy issues cause dehydration, and our bodies are so much water...that dehydration is seriously disruptive. I keep some sports drinks available, for exactly this use.

Seems to really help me.

Best wishes, Jerri

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends on the dose you are on really.

[bunnymom in reply to PMRpro]

7.5

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bunnymom]

I'd think by now you are recovering? If you aren't it may be a ask the GP situation.

I'd wait and watch if it were me: if you feel very unwell, dizzy, you are perceived to be confused, then I would take an extra dose whenever you notice it and speak to your doctor asap. Otherwise, steady as she goes and lots of fluids and rest as the others suggest.

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRpro]

I agree with you , wait a bit longer , take the medications you are allowed for a virus and headache while on Pred to help with the bug itself rather than upping the Pred straight away to see if it helps first.

You do say your Pred is under control , so upping your Pred now without it being necessary might not be the best thing for you in the long run.

And as Pro says , it might be better to contact your GP ( get a phone back appointment if there are none at the surgery or you are not up to the trip ) get their advice before you do it.

Lots of fluids , try a garlic supplement , lots of vitamin C , maybe increasing your vitamin supplement for a few days with your yoghurt and other meds so you can keep it down. And see if the standard virus pain killers and rest do the work first.

Only increase when you feel it is definitely a PMR related increase in symptoms or pain.

Gentle hugs , Bee xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not unless really necessary. Just plenty of liquids - provided you can keep them down okay - and plenty of TLC.

[Blearyeyed in reply to DorsetLady]

Agreed xx

[HeronNS]

I had a bug a couple of winters go and didn't get my pred for two days, once because I didn't hold it down and second because I forgot. No problems, really, just got back on schedule with no extra dosing. Did find no PMR pain during that episode, like the body was concentrating on something else. It was development of headache which reminded me to take the dose late on second day....

[Telian]

I wouldn't increased Pred for a virus -keep your fluid intake up to flush the virus and ease the headaches which are bad when dehydrated - plenty of rest too.

[PMRCanada]

I dealt with the stomach flu for a brief time last week. Vomiting caused awful sore muscles afterwards, but I am lucky my 2am dose of pred stayed down.

Plenty of good advice already provided. Hope you’re feeling better soon!