Fatigue

[Athena2020]

I am on 6 mgs of prednisone decreasing from 7, I have been feeling very tired/fatigue all the time. Has this happened to anyone? also experiencing right side hip pain.

Thank you

[piglette]

I was total exhausted at that dose. I was even too tired to lift a fork to my mouth. I think the important thing is to live with it as if you increase too much you will have to go through it all again. I must admit I did go up from 5mg to 6mg as it was so bad. I am now in 2mg and feel pretty good.

[Athena2020 in reply to piglette]

So it can get that bad with the fatigue, it is good to know and I am so grateful I have this support group I can ask questions as it is very scary, especially when you can not get a hold of your Doctor. Thank you so much for your reply

[piglette in reply to Athena2020]

When I mentioned to my doctor it may be my adrenals he just shrugged!

[Athena2020]

Thank you for your quick response , it is very difficult but i am grateful that I have this support group .

[SnazzyD]

Very common I’m afraid and disappointing when one expects the feel better at lower doses. Whilst it could be autoimmune activity that is causing it, it can also be slow adrenal function. The artificial steroid, the Pred, is no longer enough for every day life. The adrenal glands are supposed to make up the shortfall with their natural steroid, but often at this level they are not very lively. Eventually as you reduce they should do, but it can take a long time. You need to be aware of adrenal crisis when you get into single figure Pred doses which is when your body needs a lot more steroid than you can produce due to illness, shock, stress, trauma etc. This will need medical advice and can be serious. Have a read of this, become knowledgeable and then don’t panic, just park it. Bear in mind what we have is secondary adrenal insufficiency because it is caused by Pred, not primary, but it amounts to the same. pituitary.org.uk/media/2044...

[Highlandtiger]

I found 6mg to be the worst for fatigue. I used to come home from work and have to have a lie down and a nap on the sofa. That’s when I realised what everyone else was talking about when they mentioned the ‘deathly fatigue'. It does pass eventually.

[Athena2020 in reply to Highlandtiger]

Yes it is deathly fatigue , horrible . Thank you for your reply and I will try resting more hopefully it may help .

[Flosy in reply to Athena2020]

Yes I have that too it's not very nice,feeling tired all the time.when you you have to work aswell.hope it does get better soon.take care.

[Sho-Sho]

I have taken a year to decrease from 7 to 6, even using the slow drop method, have been at 6 for five weeks now so think I have made it. The fatigue sometimes is overwhelming, do a little too much & wow do you know it. As Snazzy says I think you have to grit your way through it, make sure you are OK at that level & then start inching down again.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Resting may help - but it is pacing that is the really important thing. The definition of this sort of fatigue is that it isn't relieved by rest or sleep.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk......

The 15 sorts of fatigue is a very illuminating article. It started a few years ago as 13 sorts of fatigue - it has expanded

[Athena2020 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much for providing the links to read up. I will definitely read them

[Afwalsh]

Hi, I am on 7mg now down from 15 in December and I too am very tired/fatigued. I can barely keep my eyes open and of course that's not too helpful at work. I think I will just put my head on my desk for a few minutes...........Thank you to everyone in the group. I am learning so much and not feeling so alone.

Night night....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Athena2020 in reply to Afwalsh]

Thank you for your reply