Thank you

[Caloo650]

I feel so fortunate having discovered this site and all your kindly advice0. I spend some of every day reading all your comments. It feels like a close group of friends sharing what affects us all. I am halfway through Kate Gilbert's excellent book. I am 6 weeks in now with GCA PMR and doing well with a pred reduction of30mg to 20. My rheumy seems to be on top of it but still can't seem to reduce carbs. I'm a bread lover. Cutting out sugar was easier. No weight gain yet but oral thrush so far only side affect. Oh and of course insomnia. I quite like my moon face as it has plumped out the wrinkles. Waiting on a second biopsy result to see if I can swap from methotrexate to a biologic. Anyway love your dedicated support xx

[Bcol]

Welcome, this is definitely the place to be for help, advice and support.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is the rejection of bread helped if I tell you that eating yeasts makes thrush worse????

[Caloo650 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes certainly. I'll try and cut it back but I know I'll be hungry especially at lunch. I don't eat white bread though. Nystatin hasn't completely killed the thrush and now I'm starting on lozenges from a GP script

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Caloo650]

I found that I didn't get as hungry once I cut carbs drastically. The swings in BS level are lessened - and the craving for food disappears.

[Jackoh]

Best to try to cut out bread now and hopefully then you’ll lose your taste for it. Fill up with protein and salads/ veg. Best to try while you don’t have to, before the possible weight gain. 💐

[Caloo650]

Yes you're right. I can't imagine ever losing my taste for it but I'll try. I've been reading up on gut health as well. This has motivated me to eat more fruit and veg

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Caloo650]

Another beware: be careful which fruit and how much. Depending on how low you have to to go on carbs to stop weight gain an apple or banana can take a BIG chunk out of your allowance!

[Caloo650]

At the moment no weight gain and I'm still able to be active but it is early days. Down to 20mg pred. I had a few aches and a bit of a headache for a few days but I think I must have been adjusting as all good today. I see rheumy next week Yesterday no bread. I'm very proud of myself but i was a bit hungry. I did have an apple but the only fruit besides berries. Thanks for your advice

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Caloo650]

Use protein and fats with your lower carb approach to prevent hunger - and a lot of perceived hunger is actually due to lack of bulk in your food, so eat lots of salad stuff and veg, or to thirst as opposed to a need for food.

[Caloo650]

I think I just love eating too. I'm definitely on a health kick now and eating more salad and vegetables