Well after my flare I am back down to 5mg and doing well! I have had to have another tooth out as the root broke but don’t think that was the steriods! So again thinking ahead for Christmas I have requested another front tooth! I paid privately and saw a rheumatologist who seemed to be happy with the approach I was taking! He did say he wasn’t sure if I had PMR or some other form of inflammatory arthritis. Basically as the treatment is the same he didn’t think defining the cause was a major issue??? I am starting the diet yet again tomorrow! Low carb via the Harcombe route as I am just so fat.
But I am in good company my elderly cat has now been prescribed pred which apparently is the same as human pred! He too is on 5mg per day and has the appetite to match but he needs some weight gain....
I am starting the reduction to 4 tomorrow using Dead slow method. But I am in no rush this time. Being able to move is most important to me now.
Best wishes to everyone who is struggling and thanks for the support!
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JulieR2
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Never heard of the Harcombe diet, I read about it and it is pretty similar to what I did from the beginning of GCA. I never gained weight and in fact I am about 10 pounds lighter. I can’t follow “diets” because I refuse to keep track of stuff but this diet will probably work if it’s compatible with how you eat. Good luck 💕
Hi JulieR2, I too have been losing teeth and I do believe it is because of the prednisone; I take calcium and D3, B12, Omega 3 and vitamin C but my teeth are still weak, breaking and some have fallen out too.
When I was put on prednisone 8 years ago I gained 50 pounds within a few months, it is horrible and am still fighting to get the weight off, so I know how you feel.
It seems like such a futile battle at times I know, like we are on a roller coaster - the lowest dosage I've been on is 4mg but then the headaches come back as I have GCA and maybe PMR, they are not sure if the joint pain and inflammation is PMR.
Thanks for your reply. The teeth are such a problem! I have had so many root canal fillings and an implant. The pain and the cost are excruciating. I am on first day of caffeine withdrawal and like you think is this battle worth it!
We will win the battle - one day. Keep fighting and thinking positive, it has to get better. Why are you giving up caffeine? I'd be lost without mine lol, we still need to pamper ourselves sometimes.
Glad you’re doing well. I too have had quite a lot of dental work in the past and now have to have a tooth removed. Not sure really if it is the steroids or would have happened anyway. Carry on with your slow reduction- upwards and onwards. Just as an aside - was feeding my daughter’s cat while they were on holiday. He had been to the vets and I thought he was on antibiotics. I was very surprised to see that he was on a course of 5 mg pred- poor cat. I did wonder if he’d suffer from withdrawal but was only on a 5 day course!
Might seem strange question. IIT can cause dental issues according to dental hospital I attend and reported by others a while back. It can stuck to your teeth like plaque. I was told that you should rinse straight after chewing then brush after 40mind to an hour. I decided to get tablets being the forgetful sort!🦷
Oh no, not another tooth! I'm not yet completely out of the woods with mine as a bit of tooth broke off the other week so I'm left with a hole! I do feel so much better though since having my root canal tooth pulled back in May. The tooth next to it is a bit suspect though......
Hope you succeed with the diet. I've managed to lose nearly 20lbs so far and now weigh less than I did pre pred.!! Never thought I'd do it! Good luck.
Might seem strange question. Chewable calcium can cause dental issues according to dental hospital I attend, and reported by others a while back. It can stuck to your teeth like plaque. I was told that you should rinse straight after chewing then brush after 40mind to an hour. I decided to get tablets being the forgetful sort!🦷
Oh I see, makes sense now. Ha. Well, I stopped taking the calcium Adcals on advice of gp, as they gave me heartburn, so just have to make sure that I get enough in my diet. I think I just have weak teeth! Always have done. Got a mouthful of fillings!
I think that our dog needs prednisone as well too because of her hip I guarantee it’s a lot cheaper my prescription than if I get one from vet. I will definitely check it out at her next visit.
Might seem strange question. Chewable calcium can cause dental issues according to dental hospital I attend, and reported by others a while back. It can stick to your teeth like plaque. I was told that you should rinse straight after chewing then brush after 40mind to an hour. I decided to get tablets being the forgetful sort!🦷
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