Went back to my primary doctor to talk about the results from the eye doctor. Also had my BP Meds increased, more blood work and urine checked. I know pred masks other things - but they found blood - so they sent it to the lab and I should know by Monday. I’m hoping it’s just a UTI - but I have only had one my whole life - so I think it’s pretty odd and crappy that I have one now and possibly have to add more meds. Anyone UTI?
Today is MRI day and I’m freaking out! I also found out they want to do a MRI and MRA. I told my doctor I didn’t think I could handle 2 - she said to at least get the MRA done. I hope that’s enough to go off of because I’m having chest pains now thinking about it. She did give me some Valium. I’ve never taken it before - so I’m stressed on multiple levels. Between all my meds, the pred, the Valium and the contrast dye - I feel it’s taxing my body way too much!
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Thanks for your response! I’m a worrier at heart (increases with age 😑) so it’s hard to relax. I just want to be healthy - is that to much to ask!? ❤️ I guess so! 😜
Aim to be a healthy person with PMR. Hopefully by getting on the right dose of pred, pacing yourself, resting well when possible even if it's a 10min gap in giving rides etc., and eating a low good carb, high good fat diet to control sugar spikes pred causes and any weight concerns you might have....up or down.
Try your best to breath and relax , it will be easier to cope with if you just think of tests one step at a time.
If you keep calm and distract yourself thinking of something else , listen to music if it's offered to you , breath gently and deeply you may find when the MRA is finished you can do the MRI as well.
Stress will be making all of your symptoms worse , so the Valium on this occasion rather than being another worry was just some necessary medicinal help.
Many of us have had UTIs from the lower immunity of taking steroids and because it does cause more laxity in the tubes .
They can be slower to get over and may need more than one course of antibiotics but do clear up , it's not unusual although obviously does add to your burden.
Most importantly keep yourself hydrated as this will help clear the inflammation and infection of the UTI but also help with coping with your other symptoms.
Rest as much as you can , and try to go one step at a time and find someone to help support you as you take your treatments , even if it's just a nurse you've never met before talking to you and holding your hand.
They'll be happy to do it if it helps you get through and get answers.
Thanks Blearyeyed for the kind words. Re: UTI - I have only been on pred for 12 days - I noticed the cloudy urine last week - I started having some abdominal pain last night. How much does the pred hide? Could it have reached my bladder or kidneys already? No fever, chills or back pain. I’m sure I will get antibiotics Monday - but should I wait or go to urgent care?
The pred will reduce the pain a lot - it is something to bear in mind so you don't dismiss other symptoms suggesting a UTI. If it had reached your kidneys I think you would feel a lot worse,
If you don't have chills , fever or pain in the back ( around the kidney area ) waiting until your tests come in on Monday while taking precautions at home would probably be ok.
It is down to you though , if you feel that the pain is too much , or your symptoms are worse then you could choose an out of hours appointment , although without a temperature they may still ask you to wait for your results before giving antibiotics.
If you are newly on steroids the UTI may just be because your immunity was reduced by you getting run down from dealing with the other pain / inflammation in your body.
Just try to get rest , keep your abdomen and lower back warm.
Keep well hydrated , with mineral water ( to keep salts up and flush your system ) or green tea ( can be flavoured it is a good antioxidant) .
Cranberry juice can also be beneficial .
If you aren't on one already a good vitamin/ mineral supplement taken mid breakfast is good to help boost your immunity and kidney function.
A warm bath might help too.
You can take paracetamol for the additional abdominal pain in the usual way if you need it.
Just try and get some sleep and relax as much as you can as stress does increase the pain.
It’s horrible when you get into a tiz like this. UTI’s do seem to come with these conditions and meds - even the symptoms when no infection is present. Keep well hydrated and maybe take manolose that seems to settle things ( apologies if I’ve got the name a bit wrong, it will come up if you google UTI’s).
The Valium will enable you to feel quite calm during the MRI and MRA. I felt quite fraudulent for being scared and drifted into a pleasant, meditative state. I kept my eyes closed which helped too. The contrast dye was nothing at all, occasionally people are sensitive to it but I wasn’t really aware of that or any issues. Can a partner/ friend or relative go with you? It is nice to know someone is there. At my request they played meditation music. That took my mind off the noise of the machine ( clunks etc.). I expect that you will be fine - just breathe.
💥💥 I did it!!💥💥 I survived!! I took the Valium when I got there and it kicked in within 15 min. My husband went with me - which worked out great!! I explained my anxiety and didn’t think I could do both tests but they were very understanding and worked with me. They ended up letting my husband stay in the actual room to hold my hand and rub my feet and it made a world of difference! Inslso has my eye mask and earplugs. I finished both tests and a burden has been lifted - until Monday! 😜
Just remember that for the future as it does help when tests that may make you nervous come up.
If you're anxious , just think , I did it before and it wasn't as bad as I thought it could be , this time will be the same because I know I'm strong enough to do it.
Hope the other issues are resolved soon , let us know x
HI, I am claustrophobic but have had many MRI's. I close my eyes the minute they put me on the table and never open them again until I am out and they tell me to open my eyes. I tell this to my friends and it has worked for them.
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