2 ? -eyes and weak legs

[Spanky2019]

Had 4th visual field test. Once again inconclusive. New eye Dr says exam is not congruent with test results. Says nerves look okay. I still have difficulty coordinating & concentrating & responding in timely manner on test. Told him that it's good news from his exam. Also told him I don't want to fo visual field test until I feel prednisone effect is not a factor in result. Any thoughts about this? Oh yes, he also said I have cataracts in both eyes. I responded, SOB and it was not abbreviated. Secondly, I was outside twice today trying to walk a little in the yard. I've had continuous weak & wobbly legs for months (now on 15 mg pred - tapering from 80 mg). Both times while out in cold 20 degrees I started shaking all over, got nauseated & barely made it into house. Wanted to get outside before snow hits tomorrow. Can the cold weather effect a person like this on prednisone? Thank you for input.

[SheffieldJane]

I think the sheer stress of a medical appointment can certainly make you all dithery and perhaps fears about the cataract situation. Although, like PMRPro I welcome possibly not having to wear glasses and clearer vision. Putting pressure on yourself to walk about in the yard before it snows also feels like pressure as compacted snow and ice are a nightmare for us, being unsteady at the best of times. However, I still feel a childish excitement at the sight of it.

Back to your visual field test. It is really easy to get mixed up by it when those stars pop up at a fast rate. I think they repeat areas of concern a few times. I often feel worried about some of my responses in eye tests, like the red and green and which is more vivid and get anxious. I actually think it is worse than the dentist now ( my dentist is a sweet boy though, around my son’s age).

I am convinced that cold weather makes our difficulties worse, especially cold and wet. I intend to stock up on food and hibernate as much as I can and keep my thoughts firmly in the minute and not going off on painful tangents. You are getting through, one step at a time. Well done and a hug. At 3am from Portugal ( my way of avoiding the cold for a bit and my 33rd anniversary of being with my OH ( other half). X

[Spanky2019 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Oh thank you so much. Happy Anniversary! Our 47th is Nov 4th. Now get to bed.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Spanky2019]

Yes ma’am! I will switch this thing off and try to get back to sleep. X

[Constance13 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Enjoy Portugal Jane and happy anniversary.💐💐

It's freezing here (-2 degs)🥶 and winter has just started!! It was 20+ just 10 days ago. The weather is just unbelievable - how can we PMRers and those with Arthritis cope with such changes?

[SheffieldJane in reply to Constance13]

Your compatriots seem to be here, having a very jolly time.

[fmkkm]

Hi Spanky,

I have had both eyes operated on for cataracts with success. This is not something to fret about, it can be beneficial. I might consider 80 mg of prednisone to 15 mg a bit steep though. Maybe such a drop could make you feel rough? Also, Boniva can have side effects. Did you get a dexa scan before starting this bone med?

Sorry about the cold weather, my sister lives in Utah and tells me it is very cold now, winter on the way ❄️!!

Stay warm-fm

[Spanky2019 in reply to fmkkm]

I tapered from 80 mg but the prednisone certainly effects so many body parts and still is even at 15 mg. Thank you for response about cataracts. So helpful to hear others experience.

[Spanky2019 in reply to fmkkm]

Had dexa scan short time after gca dx & going on pred. Dx with osteoporosis so not pred caused. Have had back/leg weakness for many months but not back pain until couple of weeks after first boniva i.v. in Sept. Lots of controversy abt boniva but difficult to get proper nutrition to fight bone loss with dysphagia diet. Received such great advice, and support on this sight from these exceptionally knowledgable & compassionate women, not sure I'd made it through worst times without them. Hope you have a good day.

[Hidden]

Hi spanky, I suspect the high dose of pred is having impact on test results. High dose pred and gca must mess with eyes a bit. The blood sugar spikes caused blurred and often limited peripheral vision on 15mg mixed with my diabetes. Different from Gca and the cataracts but my eyes are back to. Normal at low doses.

Humidity whether hot or cold can make me feel quite ill. Its a case of building up some stamina. Also if I have had a few fatigued days and then get upright I have terrible nausea I confess to taking prescribed Meds for it but if it strikes I take motion sickness pill otc. I check with pharmacist first. I do have an existing neck problem that don't help but I know many of us get the "sit down before you fall down" feeling.... Try walking round the house every hour, if cooking put individual things back in the refrigerator so you move more. It helps ward off back pain by standing in one place. I hope you feel better soon. You have done really well so just be kind to yourself.... 🌻

[Spanky2019 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you as always Poopadoop. You've been so helpful getting me from one point to the next. Winter is forecast to be brutal. I will take advice about indoors walking too.

[Hidden in reply to Spanky2019]

Yes the UK is said to be heading for a bad winter. Indoor walking has been a saviour sometimes just to keep my legs moving. 👍😘

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Suppose that is a justification for shopping malls! But something that doesn't exist within easy reach here - at least 1 1/2 hours drive with tolls!

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

I did spent time in meadow hell when I first started walking. You need comfy shoes as floors are unforgiving so upper decks better. That one is up and down too. 🚶‍♀️

[Spanky2019 in reply to Hidden]

Closest mall 55 miles. Closest store/town 8 miles, but beautiful gym in town including walking track. I need togetsetup there I really can't walk far enough yet to use energy going to the gym yet.

[Hidden in reply to Spanky2019]

Then do a few mins towards the gym each day weather permitting.

[SnazzyD]

Hello. I’ll just say that I found that dropping from one dose to another, withdrawal aside, didn’t make side effects suddenly go. In reality it took months to weeks for the accumulation to die down. So dose drop benefits often lagged behind the drop, especially muscles and eyes. My eyes were all over the shop and only settled into any sort of stability under 10mg.

[Spanky2019 in reply to SnazzyD]

Very helpful. Thank you.