Feeling bad after cardiac stress test.

[TINYdes]

I was doing well on 6mg Pred. On June 3 I went for a cardiac perfusion stress test with the resting perfusion test to be completed on June 4. On the morning of June 4 I was unable to function, was weak,dizzy, nauseated, and unable to walk more than about 10 steps. I managed to complete the test the following Tuesday. The good news is that my heart is functioning normally. The bad news is that I am still struggling and moved up to 7mg for 5 days and am now back at 6mg and doing somewhat better. The Rheumy said to stay at 6mg at least a couple of months, even though my inflammation markers were down,before trying to taper again.

Sorry that I haven’t posted or replied to anyone’s posts as I have been feeling too unwell until now.

[SheffieldJane]

As the cardiac tests showed normal functioning, I would be wondering about my adrenal function. Has this been suggested to you? Your symptoms do sound like adrenal insufficiency and there was a positive response to more cortisol via Prednisalone . Although the test is normally done when you get under 5 mgs of Pred it might be worth asking about the Synacthen Test that measures the ability of our own adrenals to produce the cortisol that has been hitherto produced by the Pred.

[TINYdes]

Thank you for your reply. I will put in another call to my Rheumy and see what he has to say.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to TINYdes]

Further to SheffieldJane suggestion, maybe have a read of this re adrenals - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[TINYdes in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I will read it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Did it occur to no-one that the extra physical stress at that dose of pred would test your adrenal function - which was then found to be wanting? At 6mg pred dose it is unlikely that your adrenal function is up and running - and I doubt a synacthen test would show anything other.Was that a stress test on an ergometer/bike/treadmill? Patients with physical limitations, as with PMR, should be offered the chemical version of the test where they use drugs.

Hope you feel better soon.

[TINYdes in reply to PMRpro]

It was on a treadmill. Thank you for getting back to me. I still feel under the weather today. I feel like I am back to square one. And to make matters worse the C-pap I was using was recalled due to a degrading of the internal sound barrier filter. It can cause some other health issues.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to TINYdes]

I'm not surprised - I couldn't even dream of a physical stress test and the first one I had done I had to stop so soon there was no question about the next one.

[TINYdes in reply to PMRpro]

Yes,never again. I find now I have periods of feeling not to bad and then all of the sudden I feel terrible again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to TINYdes]

Yes, recognise that. Lots of rest and TLC xxx

[TINYdes in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much!! I will certainly do just that. Thank goodness I have a husband who really is really trying to be understanding!

How have you been as of late?🌷

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to TINYdes]

Very fatigued - too much stress never does my PMR any good but the jabs put the cherry on top!!! But on the whole - not too bad.

[TINYdes in reply to PMRpro]

That is good to hear. My Rheumy said that I should put off getting the jab at this time as I am very sensitive to almost every drug including the seasonal flu shot that put me in hospital. He said be extra vigilant and always wear a mask etc. I tend to agree with him at this time. My husband and grown children have all had both shots. I really don’t go to stores or such as don’t like crowds.

I keep myself busy with my garden and hobbies. Can’t really do much more then 15 minutes at a time before I have to rest.

So good to have you and others to talk to that really understand what I am going through.

Best of health to all of us!!

Did the jab put you back at all?

Sorry to hear that you are under stress at this time. Anything that you want to talk about??

[4840 in reply to TINYdes]

I emphasize. With my heart condition and spine problem, I can only get things done for 15 minutes and then need to rest. All this is new to me, and I need to learn to adjust.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to TINYdes]

I don't think I could say it put me back - and the hope it will serve some protection outweighs all that anyway. Just a husband with chronic health issues - not alone in that

[TINYdes in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, it is always hard being a caretaker. Take care not to over due. 😊

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

Good to hear! 🍀🍀

[Constance13 in reply to TINYdes]

You are not alone!😏 Many of us feel like that. One step at a time, do less - rest more.

Good luck 🍀🍀

[TINYdes in reply to Constance13]

Can’t do less or I will be doing nothing. 😊 hope to get sorted out soon. But I will be slow and steady. 🌷

[Grammy80]

It is no wonder you were wiped out~! Hope it gives you some comfort to know it was a normal reaction, now please rest.💖

[TINYdes in reply to Grammy80]

Sorry to hear about all your problems as well. I only hope that we are able to get better. If not to our old selfs at least to a point that we can function in a somewhat normal kind of life.

[Grammy80 in reply to TINYdes]

Thanks and my very best to you...sometimes I think we have to redefine 'normal' for the moment.💖