I think it could be..........

[MamaBeagle]

Last week I my heart started THUMPING - i was light headed - I was reliving the menopause with hot flushes - my sleeping which hasn't been good for yonks - waking in the early hours and not getting back to sleep again. None of my initial PMR pains at all. Rang the doc and got an appointment that day. Explained my symptoms including current state of pred dose - just 2 weeks in to a slow taper from 4.5 to 4mg. He listened to my heart - sounded fine. Tested carotids with stethoscope - Fine. Next thing I've got a prescription for full bloods CRP and TSH - and ECG. He didn't mention adrenal insufficiency, I don't know if he's thinking that way at all........but I am. Any thoughts, folks? I've ordered some Ashwagandha just in case - does anyone have any experience of taking this supplement?

[Telian]

Could be withdrawals at that dose, I've always suffered with them and at 5mg and below it's bad again - am leaving it before trying another reduction - taken 6 months for previous .5mg reduction to settle. Currently on 4mg - 5 years GCA/PMR.

You've seen your GP so that's good but if they don't find anything it could be WD. Try going back up to 4.5mg for a couple of days and if symptoms subside you'll know.........

Never heard of Ashwagandha sorry but sure someone will be along who has.

Best wishes

[Soraya_PMR]

Ashwagandha: never heard of it so did some googling.

1. It’s a nightshade plant. Tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine are considered by some to be inflammatory.

2. It’s apparently used for so many things, asthma, bipolar, OCD, TB, Parkinsons .....sounds like snake oil!

3. Ashwagandha is applied to the skin for treating ....one-sided paralysis (hemiplegia). Ah now it’s into the realms of ridiculous as far as I’m concerned.

4. “Interactions: Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha seems to increase the immune system. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system. Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), ......prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.”

5. “ “Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using ashwagandha.”

6. One study .....found that 21 percent of 193 products (made in both the United States and India) had levels of lead, mercury, and/or arsenic that were above what's considered acceptable for human daily intake.

I wouldn’t touch it!

[MamaBeagle in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Thanks for all they. V useful 👍

[fmkkm in reply to Soraya_PMR]

I agree. It apparently increases immune function and decreases cortisol so it would be counterproductive.

[jinasc]

Synacthen test is called for and insist.

[MamaBeagle in reply to jinasc]

Will do.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'm sure somewhere it isn't advised ith pred - it has been discussed in the past. There is evidence it may make the immune system more active - yours is already overactive in the wrong way.

[MamaBeagle in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro

[piglette]

As Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade family it is not a good idea to take it with pred. It is generally suggested that nightshades in general should be limited with pred.

[MamaBeagle in reply to piglette]

Thanks Piglette, I'm hearing you. Xx

[Pippah45]

At the beginning of my Underactive Thyroid journey I was given something called Nutri Adrenal Extra for my compromised adrenals by the wonderful Thyroid expert Dr Peatfield. I have started taking it again because of the Pred - rightly I hope! Nutri do several adrenal support products and orders arrive the next day.

[MamaBeagle in reply to Pippah45]

Thanks so much Pippa. I have a friend treated by the fab Dr P. Investigation required!

[Hidden in reply to MamaBeagle]

Ladies Please take Medical Advice before starting any supplements to ensure there are no contra indications

MrsN - Moderator

[MamaBeagle in reply to Pippah45]

P, Have pm'd you. MamaB

[Hidden in reply to Pippah45]

Ladies Please take Medical Advice before starting any supplements to ensure there are no contra indications

MrsN - Moderator

[Pippah45 in reply to Hidden]

Quite right Mrs Nails - I should have said that - what's right for one isn't necessarily right for another.

[Hidden in reply to Pippah45]

We always have to be mindful as sometimes people have other Medical Conditions of which we are unaware.

Thank You 🌷