Great primary DR -GCA

[Spanky2019]

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!!

[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

[Hidden]

Brilliant. Long may it continue. 🌻👍

[Rose54]

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

Good luck

[Marilyn1959]

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

[Spanky2019 in reply to Marilyn1959]

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]

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.

[Hidden in reply to Spanky2019]

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 Ambassador in reply to Spanky2019]

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

[Spanky2019 in reply to PMRpro]

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]

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

[Hidden in reply to Spanky2019]

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 Ambassador in reply to Spanky2019]

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]

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]

Yes you can do it!!! X