New to PMR & Predisnolone

[harryandhenry]

Hi very interesting reading different experiences. I have just been diagnosed with PMR & started Preds today I was told to take in the morning as it keeps you awake at night? I have also been prescribed Alendronic Acid, Lansoprazole & Calcichew+D3. This seems a lot of meds but hoping it works, I am so fed up with being in pain.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi, and welcome,

It is recommended that Pred be taken in the morning - not just regarding sleeping....you may still find that is affected.

Before you start taking AA it might be sensible to check if you actually NEED it - by requesting a DEXA scan to check the strengths your bones. Many find that the Calcium/VitD3 is sufficient.....and why add in another drug if not required.

You may also like to have a read of this - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Any questions, any time - there’s always someone on here to help.

[harryandhenry in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi thanks for your reply, I was put on the AA as I already have osteopenia in my spine. I am due to speak to my doctor after a week & I will ask about the DEXA scan. I’m hoping it will not affect my sleep as it not good anyway. Will take a look at the link you sent. Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to harryandhenry]

Okay....well it’s good to have a reference point before you take Pred......as for sleep, I took an OTC sleeping aid every 3rd or 4th night to get me through the early days of GCA. Enough to get respite - but not enough to be addictive.

[PMR2011 in reply to harryandhenry]

I had osteopenia before starting Pred. Was religious about taking D3, Calcium, Magnesium and K7. Never took AA and was on Pred for 9 years. Dex scan got slightly worse then improved once off Pred. Agree with others.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to harryandhenry]

But the question is what DEGREE of osteopenia. A normal T-score falls between +1 and -1. Scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate low bone density, also called osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates an established case of osteoporosis. So a score of -1.1 is osteopenia but barely so, so is -2.4 but that is almost osteoporosis. The rubrics say that anything better than -1.6 doesn't require more than calcium and vit D.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome - and I agree with all DL has said - especially the alendronic acid.

Since I have a suspicion getting a dexascan might not be speedy or easy - before starting the AA do talk to your dentist about any potential invasive work you may need. They are very unwilling to do much in patients on bisphosphonates.

[harryandhenry in reply to PMRpro]

Hi thanks for the info I wish the doctors would be more upfront about the side effects of these drugs. I did take AA a while back for osteopenia & I hated taking it. I will definitely discuss with my doctor. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to harryandhenry]

What level of osteopenia did you have? I have osteopenia but it was almost normal 12 years ago pre-pred. It hasn't deteriorated much - only calcium and vit D, no bisphosphonates.

[123-go]

Hi. I would question the need for Lansoprazole unless you already have issues like heartburn or acid reflux. There are natural remedies online that may help in warding off symptoms.The Prednisolone should take effect soon so your pain should be relieved. Best wishes on your PMR journey.

[jinasc]

I loathe these 'just in cases'. Yes sometimes they are necessary but unless you have your minerals checked you might just not need calcium. Too much can cause problem. Vit D should be checked as well Vit D Deficiency cause aches and pains just like PMR.

No harm in requesting a full spectrum blood test.

As for AA - well head for the Royal National Osteoporosis website and take a look at the others available.

I think you should hold off AA until you have had a Dexa scan.

[piglette]

I am so sorry you have been diagnosed with PMR. The basic tablets you need are steroids and vit D with calcium, which is what you have been offered.

Lansoprazole helps against stomach problems caused by the pred, a lot of people take some yogurt or a glass of milk. I have a coated version of pred so I have not needed a PPI such as Lansoprazole.

As you are aware Alendronic Acid is for osteoporosis. How did they diagnose osteopenia? A Dexascan is the usual way. Several people on this board with osteopenia have used other methods not requiring a bisphosphonate which are not the nicest of pills. Some suggestions are:

Eat Lots of vegetables

Perform Strength Training and Weight-Bearing Exercises.

Consume Enough Protein.

Eat High-Calcium Foods Throughout the Day.

Get Plenty of Vitamin D and Vitamin K.

Avoid Very Low-Calorie Diets.

Consider Taking a Collagen Supplement.

Maintain a Stable, Healthy Weight.

I am sure others will be more helpful than myself as luckily my bone density is quite good.