Health update

[Mitziecat]

Hello

I have not posted for sometime but not because I have forgotten my fellow PMR sufferers. Since I stopped my steroid treatment at the beginning of November 2018, family issues, including a bereavement have kept me very busy. Together with work (really looking forward to retirement but still 2 years to go) things have been too busy.

I had a Dexa Scan in September 2018 while on a low dose of Prednisolone after about 17 months tapering. This showed Osteoporosis in my right hip and Osteopenia in the left hip and spine. I had stopped Alendronic Acid after 13 months as my steroid dose was low and refused to restart it following the Dexa Scan. My Rheumatologist agreed that I could leave it for a year and try natural methods and then have a follow up scan. I gradually returned to doing some exercise and tried to eat more calcium rich foods. My GP prescribed Adcal twice a day but I take it once a day as it does cause constipation. Also took additional Vit D as my level had dropped.

I had my repeat Dexa Scan last week and from what I was told there appears to be a slight improvement in the result but still waiting for my GP to discuss the result. The main thing is I don’t think it has got worse.

Regarding the PMR, I have not taken steroids for nearly 11 months. There is always the fear of a flare up as I do get low back pain at times but it goes if I take a dose of Ibuprofen. I also now have regular back massages that help. Strength wise, my legs ache at times if I do too much, get stressed or not enough rest but back to normal activity. There has been some stress & I certainly felt my backache increase but it went as soon as I managed to relax & shake it off.

I will ask for a back X-ray if the backache continues. My GP thought it was muscular as it moves around from centre back to one side & improves with analgesia. Blood tests were reported as normal for inflammatory markers.

Sorry about the long post. Thinking of you all & forever grateful for such a supportive community.

[SheffieldJane]

It is good to hear from you again. I think you describe what recovery will be like. I am sorry that you have suffered a bereavement and family issues. A definite recipe for a flare. Have the pains investigated, PMR/GCA mask and trigger other things. Take great care. Jane x

[Mitziecat in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Jane. Will do and you take care also.

[Daffodilia]

I eat prunes for constipation from Adcal

[Mitziecat in reply to Daffodilia]

I am with you on that one. Also told that it is good for bone health. I just can’t find prunes that is not in a sweet juice.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mitziecat]

Dried prunes in packs not cans aren't in any juice - Sunsweet Californian prunes (for example). And are a lot lighter to carry in the shopping!

[Mitziecat in reply to PMRpro]

Sounds a much better idea 😀

[Daffodilia in reply to Mitziecat]

I buy dried ones and bring to boil in water

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Daffodilia]

I eat them straight from the pack! No mess, no fuss ...

[Daffodilia in reply to PMRpro]

Sticky fingers!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Daffodilia]

That's what tongues are for

[Daffodilia in reply to PMRpro]

Sounds rude!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Daffodilia]

I didn't say lick the plate

[Daffodilia in reply to PMRpro]

Ha ha

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Good to hear an update of your experiences - and that life post-pred is good despite the inevitable family events. They come whatever!

I agree with your GP about the back pain - sounds far more muscular than anything else!

Have you asked to try different brands of calcium supplement? Adding magnesium supplements would also probably help with the constipating effect. It is said we need both anyway and it may help muscular problems.

[Mitziecat in reply to PMRpro]

I haven’t tried another calcium brand but did ask if I needed it as my calcium level has always been on the upper end of normal. I will however continue it as I think that I do need something to protect my bones. GP agreed to me only taking it once a day as I take a well woman supplement that have calcium & magnesium. Also some foods that are rich in calcium. I use a magnesium spray & have salt baths which relieves the muscular aches after exercise.

I have also added Vit K2 into the mix and take turmeric supplements twice a day. Not sure if it works but told that it helps with inflammation.

Will keep an eye on the back pain but fingers crossed it is muscular. Occasional ibuprofen appears to be keeping it at bay but also aware that I need to do more back exercises.

Thank you for your response & will give a further update when I get to discuss the Dexa Scan result with my GP