Side effects update

[shazstep]

I have had my tests done and received some results. My stomach is inflamed due to long term steroids. Only way to improve it is by getting off steroids. Still waiting for biopsy results which I get next month. They did also find polyps which were removed

I don’t know how I can get off steroids as I haven’t been able to go below 5mg

I guess that’s called between a rock and a hard place

Life goes on so I will just deal with it. A bit easier with this forum and family and friends. Thank you all for being there for myself and others

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

do you take medication to protect your stomach? If so, maybe it needs increasing, or changing.

[SnazzyD]

Glad there wasn’t anything grossly nasty on the results. What have you used for stomach protection so far?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You could investigate the option of depot-medrone injections - tangocharlie has done a detailed post about them:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SheffieldJane]

Thinking of you shazstep. 🌺

[miss-philosopher]

Take a look at the post from tangocharlie about injections instead ...... healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Daffodilia]

I have been prescribed Omeprazole now I have been on steroids for 18 months - 6 mg at moment

[Lindalang]

Had similar stomach problems plus diabetes 2 diagnosis

Followed book re getting rid of diabetes by Italian dr and wife and in process improved stomach

Went gluten free for a time

Now at 3 mg - 31/2 yrs on an able to tolerate Pain in legs

Good luck it will improve

[Lindalang]

Have been on stomach protection from day1 omeprazole

[DogAgilityObsessed]

This is interesting and timely as I had a discussion about Omeprazole with the nurse this week. She and my GP and the pharmacist say I should be taking it as a preventative measure and stop me getting stomach ulcers etc from long term steroid use (I’ve been on 15mg for 4 weeks). I’ve resisted so far saying I will just take Peptac liquid if I have indigestion any day. But now I’m wondering...

[CarolF1312 in reply to DogAgilityObsessed]

Like you I'm very reluctant to take any additional meds unless absolutely necessary.

My GP and Rheumatologist really pushed the need to take Omeprazole (or similar)along with Pred to protect my stomach.

I've been taking since day 1 without any problems.

Currently tapering down, from 15mg to 12.5mg now third day on 10mg, and so far so good 🤞🤞🤞

[Blossom20 in reply to CarolF1312]

Hi, glad to hear the taper is going well!

[Dobermanlover]

I have always had Whole fat Greek yogurt for breakfast - said to be a very good food to line and therefore protect the stomach

[S4ndy]

I had the same problem. My Gastroenterologist said to take 10ml of Peptac after every meal. Also my Rheumatologist recommend yogurt with the pred which I was already doing anyway. I have tried all available ppi's and unfortunately they all upset my bowel. I was taking Ranitidine which worked great but it has been withdrawn now

Thankfully the Peptac and yoghurt have settled the gastritis and I am only on 5mg a day of Pred now. Hope your tum gets better soon x

[maria40]

I developed acute stomach pains about an hour after taking prednisolone. I asked my GP for enteric coated tablets which I got and have had no problem since. I take no other stomach protection as I had previously reacted badly to Omprezole. This has worked well for me.

[HeronNS]

Just to remind everyone, Omeprazole and the other PPIs were not intended to be used longterm, although doctors do prescribe them that way. Like some other medications we take they can cause lowered bone density which can lead to osteoporosis.

[Amkoffee]

Well we're both in good company then. I too have gastritis which is inflammation of the stomach lining. I also developed severe osteoporosis having broken 10 bones so far. I tried quiting steroids altogether and I was off of them for a few months and the pain was so bad my rheumatologist agreed to let me stay at 5mg. I'm still in a lot of pain but 5mg lowered my CRP to normal. My sed rate is still high though. It really comes down to a matter of quality of life.

[tangocharlie]

Steroid injections could be a good alternative for you, I did a post all about them the other day