Effects of long term cortisone treatment - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Effects of long term cortisone treatment

Pirnilla profile image
7 Replies

Does anyone know if there is any science about what happens in the body during and after longterm use of Pred? Is there any articles to read?

My body is stiff and I have had a frozen shoulder and aching lower back since I stopped my treatment in April. I had a quite severe accident at work in January so it is not easy for me to say what is causing my pain. The stiffness is there all day, not worse in the morning. My bloods are just fine (they were raised both times I was put on Pred earlier).

No artheritis found in my shoulder joint seen on the MRI, but a tear in a tendon and the special tricker capsule that comes with frozen shoulder.

I would like to find something about what to expect after longterm use of Pred.

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Pirnilla profile image
Pirnilla
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7 Replies
Pirnilla profile image
Pirnilla

Thicker capsule of course!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

I don’t think there is any scientific to answer that...... much to difficult to quantify.

Plus you must remember if you’ve been on Pred for 3,4,5 or 6 years your body has aged during that time, and depending on levels the Pred has probably masked the normal aches and pains said deterioration might produce.

From a personal point of view, my pre GCA/Pred osteoarthritis pain has resurfaced, and in the main been dealt with - 3 joint replacements.....not saying Pred had any effect on that illness, it’s a familial issue anyway. Second shoulder has niggly OA, but nothing more.

According to my podiatrist (used because of sight issue and previous hip and knee OA) , my feet have improved since stopping Pred (4 years) but that may also be due to weight loss.

Hairdresser reckons my hair is better than it’s been in 15years - but then no work, no stress, no illnesses.

All in all, I feel better than I have for probably the last 15-20 years, but that’s not all down to coming off Pred, it’s due to no pain from OA also, and I do realise I am very fortunate.

Pirnilla profile image
Pirnilla in reply to DorsetLady

Yes, I am with you that the body ages and that Pred may mask those things. Yet I was flexible and strong before Pred, diagnosed at 47 and treated during 2.5 years.I am 50 now and feel like 89...

I don't think this would have been my natural aging without the illness and Pred.

As I was totally pain free on Pred I exercised quite eagerly. Maybe I overused and made my tendons get worn out, I wonder.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pirnilla

My GCA was slightly different- 18 months undiagnosed in severe pain - then another 4.5yrs on Pred - starting age 63. So 6 years to age gracefully or rather disgracefully. Exercise really went out the window for about half of that time - until I decided I needed to get myself going again.

But it did take the best part of a year after Pred to get back to feeling really human again - so maybe give it time.

jinasc profile image
jinasc

PMR in remission after 3 years or was it longer? Your profile is not filled in and you joined in Jan 2018. A little bit more info would be helpful

Pirnilla profile image
Pirnilla in reply to jinasc

Diagnosed in Dec - 17 after 3 months of severe pain. Ended my treatment with Pred in April 2020.Totally pain free on Pred all the way. No bilateral pain now and the pain is not worse in the morning. Shifting a bit from day to day.

I exercise with weights now as I have been doing all trough my treatment.

I have a hard time putting on my socks and shoes. Stiff lumbar spine and hamstrings in particular.

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply to Pirnilla

Thank you I will put on my thinking cap. 🤔

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