Update

[Linda3009]

Hi all. Thanks for all your replies and support. It's been a tremendous help.

I thought I'd post an update, so here it is.

I was reasonably stable on 50mg prednisolone for 10 days following the biopsy, but over the weekend my legs and feet cramped so hard that I was left with bruising.

Now the foggy head and eye discomfort has returned along with fatigue.

I've managed to get a telephone consultation with my GP on Friday afternoon and I hope she'll give me some guidance.

Biopsy result on 29th. Awaiting re referral to rheumatology........

Bah! 😠

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You could try a magnesium supplement for the cramps - pred can make you lose magneium, low mag can cause cramps.

[HeronNS]

I concur re the magnesium. I was all stiff and cramped up after many hours on a train. In fact I could hardly walk. Had a long soak in a bath with Epsom salts after I got home, and much better in the morning (so I know it wasn't PMR flare).

[Linda3009]

Thanks. I've got some magnesium now so fingers crossed......

[SnazzyD]

Yes, magnesium supplement plus potassium containing foods.

50mg will make you feel fatigued and very foggy, I found it built up. Bear in mind also that it often affects the eye’s ability to focus consistently.

[Linda3009]

Snazzy d, do you mean that 50mg dose is too low?

Or that the fatigue and fig are side effects ?

[SnazzyD in reply to Linda3009]

No, just that the Pred itself can make you feel very groggy, limp and lifeless. At the same time you can feel jittery and alert but not alert. Apart from the head symptoms I felt worse than before Pred!

[Chihuahua1]

When I was getting severe cramps my blood tests showed me to be low in Folic Acid (Vit B9) and remembering something I read about pred causing a loss of magnesium I now take magnesium and folic acid supplements. Since then I have only had one cramp episode and that was relatively mild, lasting only about 30 seconds and leaving no after effects.

[Linda3009 in reply to Chihuahua1]

Thanks 😊

I've had a full blood test done so will check out my folate & magnesium levels when I (eventually) get the results.

(3 week wait due to consultant being on holiday - how rude!)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Linda3009]

The blood levels don't always tell the full story, especially for magnesium. The blood tops up at the expense of the muscles and they are depleted.