Great primary DR -GCA : Saw Primary provider, got... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Great primary DR -GCA

Spanky2019 profile image
14 Replies

Saw Primary provider, got to love those NP's that really take time to help when you need them. Can hardly function with GCA steroid effects & other diagnoses I have. . Lost 15 lbs in 2 weeks so weak I can hardly navigate. Anyway, she changed stomach meds, trying to expedite rheumy appt, diet/intake plan, encouraging me that this will get better. I CAN DO THIS!!

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Spanky2019 profile image
Spanky2019
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14 Replies
Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell

Glad to hear things went well at the doctors. It's just nice being listened too because we do know ourselves better than anyone. Good luck

Brilliant. Long may it continue. 🌻👍

Rose54 profile image
Rose54

As you say it will get better and you can do this

Good luck

Marilyn1959 profile image
Marilyn1959

15 lbs in two weeks is a hellava lot to lose. Do you know why?

Spanky2019 profile image
Spanky2019 in reply toMarilyn1959

Marilyn1959. Correction. That weight loss is a little over 3 weeks. Still a lot of weight, but all these health issues are being addressed now.

Spanky2019 profile image
Spanky2019

I had grade c esophagitis, gerd, hiatel hernia, and esophageal dysmotility. Rx for this not as effective recently and been gettibg sicker for a few months without getting help. Think the prednisone has exacerbated existing condition. Stress of GCA symptoms also has really effected gastrointestinal issues. All systems connected in one way or another.

in reply toSpanky2019

They also seem to get out of kilter flaring away so when you adjust for one, another pokes you in the eye. Hopefully they will start to settle soon. I added a different med and dropped 2 that were doing the same job. It took a while for my body to accept them. That connection between systems keeps us on our toes. Writing down how you feel when doses adjusted or new meds added helps you look back and see what you did to co-ordinate them. You think you remember but you don't. Or I at least don't remember! My insulin book where I write these things has been invaluable.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toSpanky2019

The GI symptoms aren't due to large vessel vasculitis affecting abdominal arteries are they?

Spanky2019 profile image
Spanky2019 in reply toPMRpro

I started sending msg. Don't know where it went, but I'm not real good on screen. Thank you for thoughts & info. Will respond more when more energy.

Spanky2019 profile image
Spanky2019

Yes, good idea to keep a little amuse and effect diary. Do you think a lot of people get diabetes from pred use?

in reply toSpanky2019

Some do and a few are prediabetic. I have had diabetes for a lot of years.

The main thing you can do is reduced your simple carbs. No white bread, pasta, white rice etc. Limit sugary fruit-passion fruit, soft fruit and cherries are better. Eat lots of fresh veg....if you eat meat have plenty of protein. Try to have good fats and plenty of them (not a bucketful obvs!). When there are fewer carbs/sugars the food satisfaction is increased by fats. I always have a good quality olive oil on salads for example. Lowering your carbs will help control some of the sugar spikes pred causes. Your Dr should check your​ hba1c every 3 months to ensure your blood glucose is stable and within normal range.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toSpanky2019

Judging by the forums, no, I don't think a LOT develop diabetes - unless they have very lazy doctors who aren't monitoring them. We have had a few whose Hba1c has started to rise and they have quickly adopted the low carb approach and the level has stabilised or even fallen back to normal levels. Unsurprisingly, worst off are people who were already Type 2 and some had to start insulin.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Happy that you found a wise doctor, it makes all the difference in the world. Look how transformed you are. Yes you CAN do this.

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Yes you can do it!!! X

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