Prednisone

[Libertylane]

Starting on 60 mg prednisone today. Worried

[scats]

My brother was in exactly your position 3 weeks back, he was scared by the size of the dose and asked me what I thought because he knew I read this forum. All I could say was if you have GCA you are safer taking the high dose than not taking it. If you have read the links from Dorset lady you will know what happens. He was sent to A&E as an emergency but on christmas eve he was told he was no longer in danger, the pred had done it's job.

Pred has side effects, but you won't get them all and are not permenant.

You should be able to find several discussions on here where we say how scared we are at diagnosis and how difficult it is to accept being ill.

You are not alone while you are here we all understand what you are going through. Ask any questions you like, there is usually someone here.

You will overcome this, good luck.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No need to be worried - 60mg is safeguarding your sight - and that's the most important thing.

You will get some side effects from the Pred, but most can be managed.

Initially you will feel hyper- full of energy and maybe get things done that you haven't had time or energy to do - but don’t get too carried away.

You‘ll probably have sleeping issues - but if you do either speak to GP, or pharmacist and get some short term sleeping tablets - I took one about every 3rd or 4th night - enough to tide me over, but not enough to get addicted.

You may get oral thrush - again see either GP or pharmacist

Watch your intake of carbs, Pred can make you hungry and it’s easy to pack the weight on, if you don’t eat sensibly.

You are likely to bruise easily, Arnica cream is good, but keep skin as moisturised as possible - DoubleBase cream or similar. you will also find you bleed easily and you may notice bloodshot eyes if you rub them, it’s look worrying, but it’s not. It usually only lasts a few days, but if it’s longer than a week see doctor.

Longer term you may get raised blood pressure or blood sugars - so have them monitored regularly. Even longer term you may get Pred induced cataracts - but not necessarily.

It all sounds a bit horrifying, but it’s what it is. Any question please ask, and as I said don’t worry. We’ve been there, and come through it, and we’ll get you through it too. There are a lot of illnesses and treatments that are much worse.

I know I’ve already given you posts to read, but have a look at this when you have a chance, it’s a bit daunting initially, but it’s useful to dip into occasionally -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SnazzyD]

Go for it. Well help you deal with whatever comes which probably won’t be everything. It’s temporary!

[Blearyeyed]

Try to calm yourself , the worry and tension it creates in your body will make you feel worse and can cause it to be slower to get used to your Medication and get your Pain in control.

Rest as much as you want to in the first week , be kind to yourself and allow your body time to get used to being on the Meds.

Give yourself time and if you have side effects note them down and come and post for advice , we will be here to give you a helping hand through the first stages .

The Pred will be there to give you Body the right saving help it needs too.

Take care xx

[Hellyowl]

Try not to worry. I am 3.5 years down the road. The 60 mg stage was strange. Listen to your body and ask all the questions you can. I only took two days off work and managed more or less normal life. I didn't sleep much until I got down to about 30 mg but tried not to worry about it. Sleep came back after a few months. Good luck.

[Daffodilia]

I started on 40 mg in Sept 2018 and now on 6 mg - use this forum for advice and read website and Kate Gilbert book - All the best for 2020