Heart

[Libertylane]

So spiraling. How do you protect your heart against prednisone. Obviously I haven’t been officially diagnosed but taking some prednisone.

[alvertta]

See a cardiologist. Have tests. Follow their advice.

[Dontwannabesick]

Why are you taking prednisolone if you don't have a diagnosis ?

[Libertylane in reply to Dontwannabesick]

Gp gave preventative before biopsy and rheum visit symptoms were worrisome. Blindness scares me and us all.

[Blearyeyed]

Sorry Liberty , I'm a little confused .

I thought you had decided to stop taking the steroids after the Rheumatologists appointment and your Pharmacist said that it was fine to do as you had only taken it for two days , have you started taking it again?

Did the Doctor tell you to do that or did you choose to do it until your biopsy?

Are your eye drops recently prescribed and what name do they go under also?

You haven't been on Steroids for more than a few days , and as far as I know you haven't got any preexisting heart issues that you have informed us about , so you just take care of yourself in a healthy way , with a healthy diet and light exercise to protect all your health needs and reduce any side effects if you continue taking steroids after getting a confirmed diagnosis of GCA or PMR.

Taking your regular Anxiety Medication and practising Relaxation , Breathing exercises , Reducing Stress and Keeping Calm are all ways to keep Physically and Mentally Healthy and Protect your Heart with your Medical History if you continue being prescribed steroids in the Future.

If it doesn't affect any of your individual health issues or prescribed medications you are on many people find taking Garlic and Omega 3 supplements and a full vitamin and mineral supplement daily beneficial for heart health whether they are taking steroids or not.

If you could let us know what choices you have made in more detail about taking steroids and the names of any other medications you are on now , including eye drops , lotions this would be very helpful for us when we give you any more advice.

If you are still worried about your choice to take steroids and any other health issues I think it might help you to get some reassurance if you make an appointment to see your GP as soon as a time is available to discuss all of your questions with them too so they can help you put you mind at rest.

Do let us know how you get on.

[Libertylane]

I take fluorometholone eye drops,crestor for cholesterol, Lisinopril , hydrochloridethiazide for blood pressure. Levothyroxine for hashimotos thyroid disease,calcium,vitamin D,potassium,women’s one a day vitamin,sometimes magnesium and potassium. Eye drops should be quitting soon. I choose to start since I was worried about my somewhat tender scalp, sort of a dull but not really headache sore ear sometimes and throat. I don’t have enough guidance from doctors yet and with the weekend hard to get. Afraid for eyes

[Blearyeyed]

Do you have high blood pressure / high cholesterol as part of your Hashimotos additional health issues , or have you also got another Cardio Health problem that you haven't mentioned.

Which medication do you take for Anxiety I didn't see one in your list?

Have you had your thyroid profile done again recently to rule out the possibility that the Hashimotos and High blood pressure are the cause of your new symptoms?

When we're your eye drops prescribed to you , and have you noticed if your eye pain or headaches have improved or got worse since you started using them?

You definitely have a number of Health issues to take into consideration while making a decision to continue on steroids until your biopsy .

I do think you would benefit from writing down all the questions you have and need answering about Steroids , GCA , Migraines , your Anxiety Health needs your Hashimotos and your Blood Pressure.

Then, make yourself a double length appointment with your GP as soon as possible

( Monday morning ) to discuss them and make a decision with their Professional Guidance and support , especially while you are waiting for a confirmed diagnosis and biopsy.

Please post again after seeing the GP and getting their advice if you have any further questions on their recommendations or to help you make sense of what is discussed.

[Libertylane]

Just have had high blood pressure for years and high cholesterol for years too. Cardiologist supervision. No anxiety med now. Was on klonopin while trying to find ssri that worked ones that worked years ago not so much now. Am taking .25 klonopin twice a day for the last couple weeks. Had been off. Have a nurse practitioner psychiatrist and a therapist. I was good until this happened Talked to rheum tonight and getting second thrush med because throat really sore now. She explained a few more things for me. Like maybe combining prednisone with other meds to cut down on prednisone if it turns out I need prednisone Eye better some times. Headache about the same. Thanks so much for caring

[Libertylane]

She said to take steroids until biopsy

[Blearyeyed in reply to Libertylane]

That's good then , you have approval , just try and rest as much as you can , eat light , drink plenty of fluids and do any distraction techniques you have to remain calm and reduce the Stress you are experiencing whilst waiting for your diagnosis.

Stress builds tension in the body and adds to the pain and headaches so doing what you can to limit it is extremely important early on with any treatment , if you need to you should take your Anxiety medication until you feel that you are more comfortable and confident with your next steps in your Health Care.

Try eating the probiotic yoghurt both with Pred to reduce any stomach irritation and before meals to help reduce soreness from the Thrush.

Drinking more water and warm green tea will help with this too.

Swilling your mouth with plain green tea after eating rather than brushing straight away allows your saliva to help fight the Thrush .

You can also use cold green tea to gargle with to soothe your throat .

If it's ok with your blood pressure medications a garlic supplement can also help improve your antiviral and antifungal health.

Removing sugar , yeasts and fungus of all types from your diet while suffering from oral thrush also speeds up recovery .

Take care , and try not to concentrate on the worst , wait for the biopsy and the results then you can start to build up your knowledge about what you have and find out lots of positive advice to help you cope and get better.