I don’t often post because I don’t have much to contribute.
What I have found useful is that desperate tiredness is a symptom of pmr. I have stopped trying to see gp, I think they hope I’m dead ! I would like to know if I still need the medicines I’m on. My family are very good and travel long distances pretty frequently, but they completely ignore my age or pmr and atrial fibrillation! Still, I’m here at 91, living independently, at present with builders putting on a new roof🙀 Just a thought, wouldn’t it be good for a medic or two to have our problem?
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Mipsie
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I think a little discussion with your pharmacist might put your mind to rest regarding the medications you're on, possibly advice on how to proceed if changes might be considered. As for the PMR, what dose pred are you taking now and how are your symptoms?
Yes, I agree...wouldn't it be good, think they would...or might have some empathy. If I remember right a GP did post on here a couple of years back.....
My rheumy had to go on steroids long term and because he wasnt very well behaved with his diet he then developed diabetes!! It makes him very understanding of the problems of pred use.x
Lovely that you have posted Mipsie and don’t feel you have to contribute.
Totally sympathise with struggles to see GP.
Just a thought about your tiredness though. Is your atrial fibrillation well controlled? It can add to tiredness and cause shortness of breath. Also anaemia is common with autoimmune conditions which again can make you feel tired and possibly short of breath. You might want to get your haemaglobin level checked. Are you taking any stomach protection such as Ranitidine with your Prednisolone?
Having the builders in is enough to make anybody tired!! It did me and I couldn’t wait to see them go. All those flipping cups of tea and washing-up, not to mention the dust!!!!!
Nothing to panic about, but it might be worth a meds review and check-up with the GP to put your mind at rest.
Bless you My Mum is 91 and like you suffering from tiredness and feeling unwell refused to see GP didn't want to be a nuisance .
She's not got PMR but other health conditions , after seeing GP on emergency last Saturday
Has been for chest X Rays, Blood Test and waiting a heart scan
She's lucky as I live in the next road
Please make appointment to see your GP Meds should be reviewed yearly .
It could be just the PMR but it could also be anything even simply lack of vitamins or iron .
rose
Hello mipsie i dont envy you having the builders in for a new roof. I am sure having my dining room and kitchen knocked back to brick and refurbished as a big kitchen and downstairs bathroom contributed to PMR fully taking hold. I think i had symptoms prior to it but they (builders) started on 14/3 abd by 15/6 i was dx and on pred.
You should definitely have your meds checked yearly. I certainly do by both the drs and the pharmacist who checks i know what each drug is for etc. A friend who is 84 went to the drs today and he was shocked she only takes 4 paracetamol a day. He is so used to seeing older people on rafts of meds. I am 58 now and she is starting to slow down for the first time.
I too have PMR and AF, and at 63 was beginning to feel that the tiredness would be the death of me! My family too don't make any allowances for my age and health conditions, but I guess that's how I've always wanted it to be, and how I've tried to bring them up, not to make too much of feeling unwell, pick yourself up and get on with it. I know exactly how you feel about seeing the GP too, avoid at all costs because whichever one I see I always feel as if they think I am wasting their time.
We have had a few doctors on the forums - they didn't hang around long but they did admit they saw it a bit differently - especially when it came to forcing reductions!!!!
Take my hat off to you Mipsie- you sound very independent and it’s good to have you on forum.
I ,like others, think you are entitled to see your GP and have a review of where you’re at.
I think family and friends however good they are and they may try to be empathetic but they don’t really “ get it” as far as these conditions are concerned that’s why it’s so good to be on this forum. We can share our concerns and problems and know that many understand because they’ve been “ through it” Would agree re medics walking in our shoes !!
Nice to meet someone my age on this site. I too live alone, do have a dog, Lily, My daughter who lives very close by does realize my problems, but I think my boys, who have always seemed to believe their Mother could do anything, are not as understanding. Then they become angry when they find I have tried to do something far beyond my strength, I was diagnosed with PMR last December 12th. I have tapered from 20mg to 2.5mg. However, after a very, very stressful almost 2 weeks am afraid I will have to increase dosage. I tell myself that is OK. I am really grateful to still be here, even though I can no longer run a half marathon nor play tennis etc. I am looking forward to a gathering to-night where I will probably drink a couple of glasses of wine, depending on the quality, come home to, hopefully, a decent night's sleep and take Lily to the park to-morrow.
Going up is fine if that is what you need - I don't think twice about taking 15mg because I need it to manage the atrial fibrillation the autoimmune part of PMR caused. It's that or a load of other drugs that would make me fall about all over the plce - I can manage that on my own!!
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I was diagnosed with PMR last December 12th. I have tapered from 20mg to 2.5mg. However, after a very, very stressful almost 2 weeks am afraid I will have to increase dosage. I tell myself that is OK. I am really grateful to still be here, even though I can no longer run a half marathon nor play tennis etc. I am looking forward to a gathering to-night where I will probably drink a couple of glasses of wine, depending on the quality, come home to, hopefully, a decent night's sleep and take Lily to the park to-morrow.
PMR or Fibromyalgia?
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