Chest infection

[Blues1]

I've had a chest infection which has more or less cleared and am finishing 7 days of antibiotics today. Woke up this morning all PMR symptoms back with a vengeance. Have been on 15 mg pred for last 4 weeks but feel the need to increase again reluctant though I am. Is it the infection and antibiotics making me feel this way do you think? Or is my PMR just telling me it's still there.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is quite possible that the infection has poked the PMR into life again. How much had you reduced to the 15mg? Have you ever discussed with your docotr what to do when you have a ?flare like this? Some people do increase their dose - I've never bothered and any PMR aches seem to go away in a few days. I'm a bit surprised it's taken over a week of the infection for it to happen.

[Blues1 in reply to PMRpro]

Have reduced from original dose of 30 mg gradually in 2.5 reductions since starting mess in April. Chest infection started 3 weeks ago and st,rated antibiotics a week ago. Doc advised staying on 15 ( he knows I want to decrease dose if possible) for next month and I will have blood tests again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blues1]

We all want to reduce, obviously. But if it doesn't work you often end up taking more pred in the long run.

I would either give it a day or two, maybe try paracetamol or even a couple of doses of ibuprofen to see if they help or why not try a couple of days at 20mg and drop back to 15mg and see what happens? It may not be the PMR, it might be a reaction to the antibiotic - there are so many drugs that will cause aches and pains. What antibiotic are you on?

[Blues1 in reply to PMRpro]

Amoxicillin 500 mg 3 a day for 7 days . I've been very bloated and fingers puffy since yesterday. Good advice over ibuprofen and gut probiotics thank you .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blues1]

It's not usually too bad - but muscle aches and fatigue/feeling unwell are listed.

If it were me, I'd give it until tomorrow and see if it improves or gets worse - and if it is worse do please contact the GP and ask their advice.

[Blues1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[jinasc in reply to Blues1]

When you are prescribed an anti-biotic, it knocks out the good guys as well as the bad guys. Guess what - the fight is then one as to which ones come back first.

To help the good guys, take a probiotic yoghurt, like Yeo Valley.

Alternatively if you can afford it (yes it is expensive) VSL#3. 20 billion good guys all in one packet.

I found this out from a Consultant when for the 4th time after an op and monay moths of anti-biotics, I was on rock bottom. He said, I am so so sorry I cannot prescribe this but it you can afford it..then try it. My lovely Pharmacist had never heard of it, made some enquires and came back with cost and said 'Do you want me to order' I said 'Yes'. Lara was very interested and since then has given advice about VSL#3.

[SheffieldJane]

I am still knocked about from a cough and cold 2 months ago. I took a bit extra at its height, but I decided not to interrupt my Adrenal stimulating taper - 4.5/4.00 alternating. I think these viruses really take their toll but I’m definitely on the mend now. At your stage I might consider 5 mgs for a week then straight back down, to put out the fire and swerve a flare though.