Success with fast taper - no adrenal issues on the way

[krillemy]

Luckily not all have adrenal issues after long treatment with prednisone. I am 53 years old, with symptoms of of PMR for 2½ years. 4 months ago I wrote here that I had to taper of prednisone fast, so that the doctors could re-evaluate my initial, but now questioned PMR diagnose since 1½ years ago. I have been on prednisone for over a year (15-20 mg). I tapered in 8 weeks, very worried that I would get adrenal issues. I did not. During stressing situations i 2 times took a 10 mg as I felt really bad, but that was it. Needless to say the underlying disease is now bad, but I am again being admitted to the specialized hospital unit for autoimmune diseases, the same place where they kick me out after 4 hours in august. Now meds free (pn ibuprofene) they plan for full body PET scan, MRI of thighs and spine, EMG (3th time) and a muscle biopsy. I hope for results as I have for the past 1½ year that can explain my symptoms, and lead to better treatment - or back on prednisone, although I do look better now with no moonface and 5 kg less

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All the best with the investigations. Hope they get some answers for you.

[Mary63]

Good luck.

[Coffeebeans]

Oh good luck. I can only imagine the pain is pretty severe right now.

I'm just waiting for my Spine MRI results and blood tests after my taper after a similar question mark over the diagnosis. It would be good to get a confirmation if at all possible wouldn't it.

[krillemy in reply to Coffeebeans]

Yes I did see that you where in a similar situation. They did ask me if I had had my spine scanned before - what are they looking for - do you know? What was the results of your PET scan?

[Coffeebeans in reply to krillemy]

Hello

The PET scan showed inflammation consistent with PMR, that was back in March. Also showed a small patch of collapsed lung which I found astonishing and a thickening of the mucosa in my sinus area consistent with pain I feel.

The MRI as I understand it is to look for inflammation or changes that would indicate spondyloarthritis. Apparently it can show in sacroiliac joints as well. I know I have had osteophytes in my thoracic spine for some years. Don't know what the significance of these are and I don't think I've ever noticed a specific problem until PMR that is.

I'm glad they are doing all these investigations for you in one hit, better to get them done and dusted. Best of luck with the biopsy and EMG, not had those myself.

The one thing I've learned this year is that rheumy is so imprecise - it more an exclusion of conditions more than a certainty.