Oh, no! What’s next?

[Lanakay]

2 1/2 years into my PMR journey and I’m down to 6mg prednisone. I admit I’ve gained weight and I’m also going to admit for the first time, to anyone that doing my own toenails is now exhausting. I am not exaggerating, it’s really hard for me. I’m 73. Should it be that hard? In the summertime I get pedicures. I got a great railing to help with getting up from the toilet. I got a lady to come and clean good every other week. I bought a Roomba for the daily dirt. What next? Oh, I ordered a cart today to help with carrying in the heavy groceries. That’s getting hard too! Sorry to go on so but I feel better now that I admitted my frailties.

[SheffieldJane]

I think we are going to be pretty good at old age when it comes. PMR has trained us to adapt and compromise and seek imaginative solutions. My OH is now an accomplished toenail painter ( amazing what a bit of flattery can achieve) and the saving of £20+ of course.

[Jampad]

I struggle keeping up with everything too. I used to love keeping my house looking immaculate. Now I have to let things go. It isn`t easy and upsets me when I can`t do things. However I`m down to 20 mgs steroids now and seem to be picking up at last.

[Hidden]

Lanakay,

You make ME feel better! I'm 2 and half years in from diagnosis and 72. I just finally gave in and admitted I could not do my toenails anymore after almost cutting my big toe off!

I am down to 3 mg, but just had a BIG flare. Waiting to hear back from my doc. I'm guessing I'm headed back up on the Pred, which I detest but can't take this pain either.

Ugh!!!!!?

[Orpheus82]

How about an online shop once a month for all the heavy stuff? I do it to avoid lugging heavy shopping around.

[Ladymax123]

I'm so sorry you are in such pain. I feel lost on here being a minority man.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ladymax123]

Have answered you in your first post.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[IdasMum]

I feel for you. I really struggle with my toenails. Mainly because I have a large stomach in the way and also hip pain and inability to lift my foot near enough to me.

Old age is a bummer and I am only now allowing myself to acknowledge I am old.

I am lucky that OH offers to cut my toenails (I hate asking as I no I would want to be doing them for him (even though I would).

Sounds like you have done some good things to make some chores less demanding.

Bon courage.

[jinasc]

Toe Nails, your GP can refer to the NHS and they will arrange appointments. Mind they can be at three monthly intervals. They also look after the whole foot.

[borednow]

Trust me, you are not alone!! My weight started to slowly decrease when I got down to 3mg as the craving for sweet things faded (a bit). Hang on in there.

[Lanakay]

Thank you all! You give me hope that we will all feel better eventually. I don’t know how I would cope with the PMR blues without you!

[Ladymax123 in reply to Lanakay]

PMR blues not nice at all always hope tomorrow will be better ALWAYS

[BonnyQuine]

It's good to know I'm not alone! I'm 73 too, 3 years into GCA, and was beginning to find toenails impossible, but find I can manage them after soaking in warm water. Not sure how long this will work, as my flexibility has gone. Next move will be to request GP referral to a podiatrist.

Just over 3 years ago I was young for my age and fairly fit. Not now. Really hard to come to terms with, I agree. But we're not the only ones.

My objective is to get the pred right down and, as the days get longer, aim to gradually get out and about a bit - walking to increase fitness. I want to be fitter than this by age 74. What are our chances, do you think?

Never give up.

Hugs all round.

[Lanakay in reply to BonnyQuine]

3 years ago I was young and fit and able to do most anything. Now I’m old and kind of feeble and working on getting at least some better. 🙏🏻 Here’s hoping and praying we all get back some of what we’ve lost.

[Ladymax123 in reply to Lanakay]

Hugs to you.

[Ladymax123]

How are you today

[Ladymax123]

Try to stay focused it's a wrench going from what you were and what you feel now Bless

[Lanakay]

It’s 4 in the morning and I’m sitting i my husband tv room in my undies trying to cool off and feel better. You will see my post about this soon. Guess I’m really having a spell right now. Or maybe going daffy! I don’t know anymore.