PMG and virus

[Renesch]

Hi I have PMG and am doing really well, have lowered prednisone to 9mg due to go to 8mg and managed to keep up with regular exercise. Two weeks ago my husband picked up a virus, tickly throat, chesty cough (its not covid) 4 days later he started getting better and I got it but I didn't get better, saw doctor yesterday and he diagnosed bronchitis. I have an inhaler which is helping tremendously with the cough but I'm just so so tired. Doc said if cough didn't go away in 3 or 4 days to increase the prednisone to 40mg for 5 days. Very reluctant to do that. Anyway cough is improving.

I just sit in a chair, watch TV and sleep. I hate it. Tried going for a walk today then slept for 2 hours.

My question is does PMG or prednisone make the effects of such a virus worse and harder to get over?

Thank you in advance I just want to be back where I was.

[123-go]

Pred suppresses the inflammation in your body and thus your immune system and leaves you open to catching viral and bacterial infections. When this happens you are battling your autoimmune disease and the infection. If it's necessary to increase your Pred you can do this for a few days and then return to your previous dose. You won't need to reduce in small steps.You have to be kind to your body and give it lots of rest. There is no disputing that. When I was first diagnosed I took frequent naps during the day and cut down drastically on physical activity, gradually increasing levels as the inflammation came under control. Many people on the forum have said they were fit and active before PMR and it comes as a shock when you can't follow your previous lifestyle. I mention this as I feel you are fighting the need to rest up. You should re-introduce activity gently to give your body time to recover.

In answer to your question re Pred making the effects of a virus worse and taking longer to recover from, the answer is 'yes'.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The reason your doctor said to increase to 40mg for 5 days is because it is a fairly normal practice nowadays as it improves your breathing by reducing the inflammation in the airways - and that improves your ability to do things, he would probaly do the same for someone not on pred.You are systemically ill - would you wonder at feeling as you do if you had flu? Everyone thinks "just bronchitis" but it can have a big effect on exercise toleration. And it can become pneumonia if you aren't careful.