I had bariatric surgery almost six weeks ago and was finally allowed to have prednisone in the fifth week. Meanwhile I was on my fourth bout of PMR since getting it first in 2002. I was not allowed prednisone for the five months leading up to the surgery and one month after. In the last weeks of this fast, I was taken to the emergency room twice for debilitating pain. It was so bad I could barely think. I was given hydrocodone instead! I took it just so I could sleep.
Finally 36 hours before the deadline, I was given 10 mg of prednisone. It was, as expected, like day and night. Now I am happily on 5 to 10 mg of prednisone daily (my choice) and am doing very well with a mostly clear mind and mostly pain free body. I am happy that I can get back to my life. At least for a while...
Written by
PJarret
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I was wondering how you were getting on. I think you had the surgery so you could have a knee replacement? Whereas, I skipped th3 bariatric surgery and went straight for a hip replacement last year and 9 days ago, a knee replacement. How is the eating and the weight? I have put on more weight recently and am hoping to lose it when I get my mobility back in a few weeks’ time. I have stayed on the pred. throughout. It sounds like you have been to hell and back with the pain? I’m glad you can take the pred. now.
We all want to know the same thing, how's it going? You must be amazingly strong to put yourself through all that. All best wishes for a successful outcome.
I don't know how strong I am--I just want a (semi) normal life and I fought for it every minute of those six months. I am glad it is over, at least for bit. I just held on and got on with it! Thanks for the reply.
Yes, knee replacement in August or so. With a near 40 pound loss (more I am sure is coming) and still eating very little, my knee feels pretty well. I still have to walk with a cane, though. How is the knee replacement going? I hear it is hard.
You are right! I do not want to go through that again! Thanks.
A hip is much easier! The knee is challenging and I need all the pain relief I can get! But at least it is a healing pain, a positive one unlike PMR or OA pain. It will get better! I still need to hav3 the other knee done, so not finished yet!
So pleased for you and that some normality is coming back. Think you were incredibly brave for those 6 months and you must be so pleased that at least that bit is over and done with!
Thanks, Jackoh. It was an experience I never want to repeat! I am pleased that I was able to do it--it was especially painful the last month--and get the whole episode behind me.
Well done you! What a journey! So many different opinions re pred and surgery by different surgeons. Hope you told yours just how much pain you were in and that the desired results were achieved in terms of no infection.
I met the surgeon only once several months ago. His assistants were who I saw. They got an earful. I am doing fairly well now with the small stomach. And the PMR has calmed considerably on 5 to 10 mgs of prednisone a day. Thanks for listening!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Has anyone had cardiac catheterization or heart surgery with GCA or PMR?
PMR,Prednisolone and Foot Surgery
Cataract surgeries with no PMR flare
Surgery and prednisone 
Is it or is it not PMR
