Crushing headache, stress high

[PinkertonCat]

Hello dear people

My brother died quite traumatically on Monday and I am a wreck. I had a horrid case of vertigo about 10 days ago, accompanied by nausea. I was recovering from that when my poor brother died and the crying is giving me hideous headaches. My jaw pain is almost unbearable, both sides. And the nausea has returned with a vengeance. I tend to have bad physical reactions to situations like this.. but I can’t get on top of anything right now.

I called my doctor to see if upping prednisone would be a good idea, I have tapered to 3 mg. I have that constant flutter feeling (anxiety feeling) all day. Doc did not call back and I feel a wee bit desperate.

I am supposed to fly in the next few days for his service, but I can’t imagine getting on a plane with how wretched I feel,.

Grateful,for any words of advice.

[SheffieldJane]

I send my heartfelt condolences to you on the shocking loss of your brother. I would be tempted to raise my dose by 5 mgs at least to help cushion the effects of the terrible trauma that you are reeling from even 10 mgs if required. Run this past your doctor. In the circumstances you need some temporary fortification to get through the next bit.

My heart goes out to you. 💕🌸

[Hollyseden]

So sorry for your loss. As you know this condition doesn't like stress. I would definitely increase my dose at this time. You are on quite a low dose already so an extra 5 until you see your doctor would surely be ok. Thinking of you at this sad time.

[HeronNS]

I agree with Sheffieldjane. In normal circumstances I don't recommend raising a dose without doctor's sayso but this is far from a normal circumstance. Even the extra stress, never mind your physical pain, warrants an increase. Jane's suggestion of at least 5 mg increase is well worth trying as it will bring you up to the normal level of cortisone the body produces. If you need more, you need more, it will only be for a few days while you get through this crisis, and then time to see the doctor and decide how to proceed. Take care. ❤

[Rimmy]

So sorry for the loss of your brother which would most certainly be affecting you physically as well as all the other ways. I agree with the joint wisdom of everyone who has replied so far and can't see why you wouldn't increase your dose a little at present . - Later the doctor would surely realise this is the best thing you could do in this situation.

[Hidden]

Dear PC

I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear brother, what an awful shock for you.

As everyone has said upping your Pred to deal with this situation is necessary. Your body doesn’t have the necessary cortisol levels to deal with this, if you could get an emergency appointment to see your doctor before you fly that would be good, otherwise upping your dose is the best way forward.

My Sincere Condolences

MrsN

[PinkertonCat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks to all for condolences and replies. I am so grateful.

Do you think I should take an extra dose now? Or wait til morning? I thought I would take 5 now. (Bedtime here) and hopefully speak to doc in the morning.

[Hidden in reply to PinkertonCat]

I think you could take the extra 5mg now & hopefully it’ll kick in & give you a better start in the morning.

Don’t forget you can take pain meds, as that will help with your headache.

Bless You & hope you catch some sleep.

Kind Regards

MrsN 🌷

[PinkertonCat]

I can’t even express how vital this forum is. You are such wonderful kind people. I have taken my 5mg and going to bed. Thanks all.

[jinasc]

I lost a very close friend in the middle of GCA...........you have lost a brother and you have my heartfelt sympathy. It is more of a trauma for you losing a brother and you need time.

Even if your GP does not agree, I would up it to 10mg and then stay there until you are back home and then after about a week, drop 1 mg at a time, following DSNS.

That is what I would do, but remember it is always YOUR DECISION.

[Hidden]

I am sorry for your loss. I would up the dose if the dr can't be bothered to call you back. And stay there until things settle. You should drink plenty of water and some otc painkillers might help headache. I would be shocked if you didn't feel those symptom after a trauma. Please make sure you eat, drink and rest before you go. My condolences to you all. 🌻💜

[Patience47]

So very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sincere condolences- I lost my husband during GCA so I know how difficult it can be.

You’ve been given good advice, so won’t add.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'm so sorry - what an awful experience for you. Virtual hugs xxxx

I think you probably need to go up to 10mg for at least a few days, until after the service - you are at a classical point to suffer with adrenal insufficiency when under extreme stress and that certainly fits the description. And it won't be done after a week,

If you aren't feeling better today and your doctor still hasn't contacted you - head for the ED.

[PinkertonCat in reply to PMRpro]

My friends and children are concerned about me travelling. I suppose I am worried too. I have taken 10 this morning. I guess I will feel wretched for a while for a number of reasons.

Thank you for your thoughts and wisdom,

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PinkertonCat]

Fingers crossed ...

[PinkertonCat in reply to PMRpro]

I just called doctor again and spoke to receptionist who said I am not to go up. Stay at 3. When I balked at that she said, if I had to, to go up to 4 and doctor will call me this afternoon. Jeesh. Not happy about that. I already took 10mg.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PinkertonCat]

And the receptionist's medical qualifications are?????? Anyway, what they don't know ...

[PinkertonCat in reply to PMRpro]

She said she spoke to the doc after my call yesterday and that is what the doctor told her to tell me (and she did not call me back and tell me... I guess they are busy.)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PinkertonCat]

That was 24 hours ago. I hope they don't say they are too busy when it is a stroke or heart attack ...

[PinkertonCat in reply to PMRpro]

Yes.. I was thinking that too.

[HeronNS in reply to PinkertonCat]

Never mind. What he doesn't know....

I hope the 10 mg helped? You might not need quite as much as that, but we all know a little temporary extra pred is not dangerous.... Hugs.

[PinkertonCat in reply to HeronNS]

Yes, I think it has helped. As soon as I even feel a cry coming, my head starts twinging. Head ache mostly gone, except for the crying part, but still very nauseous, and fluttery chest. Of course, stupidly, I just listened to Danny Boy. My brother’s name. It is a sad song at any time

[HeronNS in reply to PinkertonCat]

It is a hard time. Let those emotions surface and be expressed.

[Dilly-B]

I can’t offer any useful advice as I have only just received my diagnosis. However,

I am so sorry for your loss. I send you all my best wishes and a hug to share the bit of strength I have with you.

[PinkertonCat]

My heartfelt gratitude for kind support and wisdom.

My doctor finally called late this afternoon and was NOT in favour of prednisone increase. She reluctantly suggested increasing to 5mg (from 3mg). She said the additional prednisone would not help with anxiety/stress induced symptoms and might increase anxiety. I don’t know why that would happen. I find it quite baffling. I will try 8mg tomorrow morning ... I am flying to my family tomorrow and I will just adjust as needed.

[Hidden in reply to PinkertonCat]

Awh PC

Sometimes we have to do what we know is in our best interests. Only you know how you feel, take care, safe flight.

Thinking of you

MrsN 🌷🌷🌷

[Hidden]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that loss and the desperation that accompanies it... I wish there were some words of comfort I could offer to help alleviate it your pain, but sadly there are not. I believe I saw your post on a PMR/GCA FB group, and you have increased your Pred. That was a wise decision. Hopefully you will lose some of the physical pain so that you can address and deal with the emotional pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.