Hydrocortisone

[camerashy]

Hi every one

Some advice from you knowledgeable people

Have been on predisolone now for over 2 years and the side Effie this are beginning to put way the benefits ie. thinning bones possible adrenal insufficiency high blood pressure

I went to see the endocrinologist last week and she took me off the predisolone and put me on 10mg of hydrocortisone as well as quadrupling my blood pressure tablets

I don’t think I have ever ached so much all my joints seem to be devoid of any fluid and I ache so much at nighI have Gca

Has anyone on hydrocortisone experienced these problems not sure at this stage whether it is the increased blood pressure tablets or the change from predisolone to hydrocortisone

I have had GCA and PMR now for 2.5 years

Your comments would be very welcome

Thankyou so much

[jinasc]

I cannot help here, but have you discussed these changes with your Consultant Rheumatologist, especially as you have GCA?

If not, I would be calling him/her pronto for advice, a tel call to his Secretary is called for here.

[camerashy in reply to jinasc]

Thanks jinasc

I appreciate your response I think a call is justified

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What dose of pred were you on to manage the GCA? 10mg of HC is a low dose - and equivalent to only 2.5mg pred and has only a quarter of the potency.

Your endo is thinking endocrinology - not rheumatology - and while it may be enough for getting your adrenal glands to work - it maybe isn't enough for the PMR/GCA side of things. Speak to your rheumy.

It would be useful if you told us a bit more - pred dose, dexascan results, synacthen test results, BP.

Though if you have high BP that is another realm and adrenal sufficiency is far more likely to cause LOW BP. High BP should be managed with BP medication, whatever the cause - and as the pred dose falls, often you need less. Raised BP is a fact of life for most people as they age - a tablet of two isn't a problem!

[camerashy]

Thanks for your response

I had tapered down to 3 mg of preds

My BP has been over 200/104 for the last month but is now lowered due to the changes in medication

As yet have no results regarding adrenal insufficiency waiting on blood tests

Thanks again

[Hidden in reply to camerashy]

Do you mean you are waiting for blood test or the results of a test already taken? I am just trying to understand why they have swapped the pred for hydrocortisone before the tests return. I just may be misunderstanding but I am sure my rheumy said they would test at 3mg and address any adrenal issues once the results were in. What were your t scores that made it so urgent and his can it be determined you have adrenal insufficiency without the results of the test. Just thinking if I now get to 3mg I won't be swapping pred until I know for certain. I had bp of 200/102 a couple of years ago at 15mg but this has be treated. I hope your body feels better soon but sounds like you need more HC or back on pred.

[camerashy in reply to Hidden]

I am not sure what initial test they do but if they show a certain level then I will have the more investagive test

Just heard I will have the more ivestagative test soon

The endocrinologist put me on 10mg initially but I was in so much pain she upped it to 15mg. Just about holding on At this stage I don’t care what they give me. I just need some energy getting so defeatist😢

[Hidden in reply to camerashy]

Oh dear. Please let them know that dose isn't working for you. It's pointless getting down to where you were and then feeling even worse. 💜🌻

[Pollyanna16]

Just a comment on my experience with hydrocortisone. I was on 2.5 pred & changed to 15mg HC for 4 months whilst my adrenal glands were being investigated.

I found 15 only just enough & so I can imagine 10 being far too low a dose. After the investigations were complete I was happy to return to Pred & on 5mg at present & feel much more energised but still in need of rest but that’s my adrenals which barely work.

[Suffolklady in reply to Pollyanna16]

Was there any reason why they put you back on pred? I wondered why you didn’t stay on Hydrocortisone.

[Pollyanna16 in reply to Suffolklady]

Hi, it was my choice really. I seemed to feel better on pred & I would have had to split my dose & not take the second dose later than tea time as it could effect my sleep. I found that tricky sometimes. The devil you know & all that......