Update to GP Doctor visit

[julesster22]

I went to my GP yesterday to update her as I have not seen her for close to a year. She was really upset with how my care has progressed up to this point in doctors recommending orthopedic, shoulder surgery and naproxen. You guys are absolutely correct, thank you, she took me immediately off naproxen because were trying to decide if that was helpful or do I need some anti-inflammatory pain medicine. I am at 6 mg of the steroid And still feel a little pain but not bad. I’m going in today for a full blood panel, I’m fasting which is not fun, I also have Hashimoto disease which is affecting my thyroid. She ordered a ultrasound on the spot and I had that as well. I would like to understand What is happening with my body but I am patient and I will continue to use this forum to learn all that I can. My background is I am 58 years old, I have had two knee surgeries, and in general excellent shape, except of course a couple of extra pounds. Being on the steroids has put an extra 15 pounds on my bones which I have purchased a treadmill to keep up low-grade exercise so it doesn’t affect my bones. I welcome all in any advice and helping me get back to where I can wean off the steroid once I figure out what my body needs.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As long as the underlying cause of the PMR is active you won't be able to wean off pred entirely and you are actually at a low dose with few long term effects and the weaning now will be as much dependent on adrenal function as anything else.

You can help the weight problem by cutting carbs - probably more effectively than a treadmill! Pred changes the way your body processes carbs and cutting them really does work - I lost 35lbs while still on over 10mg pred and plenty of others will tell a similar story.

[julesster22 in reply to PMRpro]

Go told me to stay on 6mg for two weeks without pain before tying to wean again. She took about gallon of blood today but feel taken care of for the first time in a year! So hopefully 2020 may be my year! Would be nice to not be in constant pain....

[HeronNS]

Sounds like your GP is really on the ball.

Your post reminds me of somthing which happened not too long after I'd started pred. I actually forget the circumstances but a doctor suggested I might need an anti inflammatory. But when he learned I was on pred he sort of laughed and said pred was the best anti-inflammatory there was and said no more.