I'm not the only person to feel like this!! - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,320 members40,426 posts

I'm not the only person to feel like this!!

ledgemoorlady profile image
13 Replies

SOOOOOOOO glad to have found this forum. I was diagnosed with PCR about 4 mths ago and had a superb response to Pred. initially. Hadn't felt so good in years,full of energy, getting loads done, etc etc.! However on phased coming down from 20mgs to 12.5 daily, I got lots of breakthrough symptoms. My GP put me back onto 20mgs, but I am still getting muscle fatigue, cramps and a degree of tiredness. The contrast has really knocked me back. i have an appt. to see a rheumatoloigst in 5 mths time, par for the course I see from this forum.

BUT it has given real hope to a newbie! it has opened my eyes to what support is available on line, and it has cheered me up no end! I have a supportive GP, which is always more than half the battle anyway. I shall be joining properly . It's the old old story of being so glad you are not the only one who feels like this. You will be hearing more from me I'm sure.

Ledgemoor Lady.

Written by
ledgemoorlady profile image
ledgemoorlady
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi and welcome,

Would you like to put a bit more info on your profile, so we know a bit more about you.

Maybe have a look at this link as well, you’ve probably guessed by reading posts that you reduced too quickly first time around, which is why you had to go back to starting point - so a bit slower this time around -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

I felt the same when I found it so welcome to the club! Read around and then if you have questions.. Just ask. It is quite common for people to overdo things when the pred miracle happens. It's a case of pacing, resting, eating right and tapering slowly. Sounds easy doesn't it. As you have found yourself, things can go Pear-shaped, so it's a rocky road! There's nearly always someone around and we are all in a very similar boat. 🌻

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Welcome!

"phased coming down from 20mgs to 12.5 daily," - far far too fast! 6 weeks at the start dose and a month each dose after - at 2.5mg steps.

Not to mention "getting loads done" - no, you must learn to rest and pace!!

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk......

You'll learn - and so will the GP :)

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Please help yourself Ledgemoorlady. You are still ill even though early Pred gives you fake energy, you have to pace your activities and rest ( a lot). Welcome to the forum, it makes all the difference in the world. When you are ready to taper, use one of the slow, gradual tapering programmes on the right of your screen, under tapering steroid plans and you won’t go far wrong.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

Hello and welcome. So glad you’re getting the same relief I got on finding this forum. I’ll echo what these ladies have said about tapering too fast. It is an odd combination of an autoimmune condition that requires rest and TLC but the meds can make you want to gad about. All the Pred is doing is damage limitation so you need to give your body the best you can in care while it decides when to go into remission. Popping back up in dose will just tend to make it less effective each time so one has to really embrace the hare and tortoise approach with more of the tortoise.

Re the cramps, are you taking a magnesium supplement and eating potassium rich foods? Pred makes you lose both.

ledgemoorlady profile image
ledgemoorlady in reply toSnazzyD

I will get some magnesium next time I'm in town. It's all in my hands in the evenings and a real nuisance! Also thanks to those who recommend paracetomol. I am an ibuprofen fan myself, but take on board it's not very effective for PMR. And much better for my stomach lining!

Thanks to you all, and keep up the good work!

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Hello and welcome. Sensible advice given already but glad you found us!!

bunnymom profile image
bunnymom

Welcome to the same boat we are all sailing on!

ledgemoorlady profile image
ledgemoorlady

Thanks to you all who welcomed me so warmly to the forum. It's so good not the feel isolated any more!

katiemills profile image
katiemills

Welcome to the club that nobody wants to join!😉 . You will find this forum an amazing support .

ledgemoorlady profile image
ledgemoorlady in reply tokatiemills

Thanks for that!

Louisepenygraig profile image
Louisepenygraig

Welcome to this site, it's a very helpful and supportive place.

ledgemoorlady profile image
ledgemoorlady in reply toLouisepenygraig

So i am already finding out!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

I'm not going mad!!

Hi, I'm new here and glad I found this site. Finally, after months of badgering GP he now thinks I...

will i ever understand this and feel better?

hi,i am a few hours away from being 55 and i was diagnosed last week and still struggling to find...
candy28 profile image

Thanks for the help in terms of questions to ask my GP

i took your advice about my dosage being low and finally managed to get to see my GP today. She...
LisaMun profile image

This doesn't seem right!

I am new to this forum this week and never planed to have an issue so early on! I live in...
AltonBay profile image

The Controversial Side: To Stay or not to Stay. That is The Question...

Dear All Just a quick one as I'm away this week (meeting / giving a talk to the lovely Surrey...

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.