Shielding advice

[Washbrook]

I’m currently on 30mg Prednisolone for a GCA flare and my GP has put me in shielding. I have a telephone appointment with a rheumatologist this afternoon and I’m hoping my dose can be reduced. Can anyone please offer me any advice on how low my steroid dose will need to be before I can stop shielding? I think I’m doing quite well and have 80% improvement in symptoms.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It isn't just the dose of pred - it is the history. You must have been on pred before if this is in response to a flare? And have you any other health problems? History of raised BP, for example? But if you have GCA then you have a vasculitis, a cardiovascular disorder, and that should be a risk factor for shielding anyway,

[Washbrook in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Sounds like I need to continue to shield a bit longer. I’m quite happy to do so - I’m in no rush to increase my risk of catching this horrid virus. I was actually first diagnosed with PMR in September 2018. I clearly had GCA symptoms then tho my GP only ever called it PMR and thereafter I managed myself on a reducing regime. I thought it was going quite well - I’d got down to 2mg but haven’t felt well since February this year. Silly me didn’t recognise my flare symptoms (fatigue, jaw problems amongst them). I do recognise I now need to treat this condition seriously and not rush things and also learn more about the condition. I do have other issues though nothing very serious: I’ve had raised platelets for years tho never so high as to need treatment and sometimes wonder if there's any connection. I also have moderate diverticula disease and I suspect Prednisolone doesn’t help here. I had a stricture last year. I also have some poss osteoporotic collapses in my thoracic spine. And I take statins. But I consider myself to be pretty healthy, independent and active at 74. I also care for my husband who has recently been diagnosed with dementia. Thanks for reading.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Washbrook]

So sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis of Dementia. It is a worrying time for you both. Try not to neglect yourself in all this. 🌸

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Washbrook]

So sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis - since that diagnosis doesn't come overnight, have you thought about the fact that the stress of that may have contributed? PMR/GCA don't do well alongside stress.

[Washbrook in reply to PMRpro]

I think you are right - it’s easy to shove that sort of stuff under the carpet too. My mother had PMR too and stayed on a low dose of steroids until she died at 94.

[MrsNails in reply to Washbrook]

Hi Washbrook

I think that now more than ever we need to be more cautious about Shielding, as others come out of Lockdown & more Shops etc open we can watch & wait time see what happens. I think sometimes it’s frustrating being at home but truthfully we are much safer there.

Are you all organised with your food deliveries & prescriptions etc?

I’m so sorry about your husbands diagnosis, it must be very difficult for you.

Sending you kind thoughts & very good wishes

MrsN xx

[Washbrook in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you for your kind thoughts. it hasn’t been an easy ride into this dementia world (thankfully still mild, but such a change). It’s so important I keep healthy during this journey. interestingly we’ve adapted to this new life well - it feels safe at home and life is uncomplicated and less stressful because we’re not rushing around trying to fit too many things in.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This is the table regarding medication and recommending shielding - rheumatology.org.uk/Portals...

[Washbrook in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. this is useful and will help me with my appointment this afternoon. even though I may be able to reduce my dose below 20mg within the next few weeks - i shall continue to be very cautious.