Advice required about my condition in particular Rheumy.

[SRIXON]

Hi. As per my previous note been on pred since feb 2017, I got down to 4mg beginning of this year but back up to 10mg and think this is not enough as still in pain, especially with arms, neck and back, first thing in a morning is the worst where its uncomfortable to reach up for a mug from the kitchen cubby.

I have other issues, im a type 2 diebetic since 2003. Since being on pred i have put a stone on and now having BP issues i.e 170/95. I go to regular GP but I note on many of your posts you talk about Rheumy, are these people you can ask for referal to !. I am 63 years old. Col.

[sandrathecat]

You should have been referred to a rheumatologist by now. I had my first appointment with one in March after two years on pred and it was extremely useful as he has referred me for a bone scan to check that my bones are doing ok. He explained everything to me and I came out feeling as though I was being properly taken care of. Before I saw the specialist I felt as though I was blowing in the wind a bit with up and down on pred. The rheumy made me feel as though there was a proper plan to reduce pred. Very best wishes.

[SRIXON in reply to sandrathecat]

Thankyou for your advice. Col

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You can help both the diabetes aspect and the weight gain by cutting carbohydrates drastically, especially processed and simple carbs - and it will probbaly also help the BP problem. There has been a lot of discussion about it recently on the forum so do have a look at some recent posts. If you scoll to the bottom of the page you see a list of posts and can load as many as you want.

If you have BP problems - why is your GP not dealing with it? Either themselves or by referring you to a specialist - and the same thing apples for a rheumatologist. If you are in the UK it is common for GPs to manage PMR patients unless they are complex or atypical - have other illnesses or not the usual sort of symptoms and response to pred or finding it difficult to reduce. The trouble is that there is a shortage of all doctors, including rheumies, and the waiting times can be quite long. However, the only way to find out is to be referred and see how long you must wait. And sometimes they are no better than the GP - the two I saw in the UK were useless for PMR although there are some outstanding ones!

Whereabouts are you?

[SRIXON in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your input. Im in cannock staffordshire.