Update re What to do? I’m exhausted!

[Spittal9]

Well my GP suspects that I am having a flare up of my PMR. I’m one way I’m pleased as the results from all the bloods taken have been good. My inflammation markers are really low. I’m not diabetic, or anaemic and my thyroid is fine. I was really pleased when my GP said that although my inflammation markers are low that they don’t always go with that as an indicator that it’s not a flare up. He said that it’s really important to listen to the person experiencing what’s happening!

I’m still exhausted and been off work for two weeks now. I’m not going to stress about it although finding myself really irritable, which is not good. Going to concentrate on looking after myself. It will take as long as it takes…

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Your GP is spot on! What a sensible man…

Not sure what dose you are on , but if in single futures could be adrenals glands, so maybe have a read of this link - if still on higher doses then maybe just a phase if your illness. But as you say, no point stressing, just go with the flow, and whilst you’re off work, give yourself plenty of TLC.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Spittal9 in reply to DorsetLady]

I was tapering down slowly to 10mg from 11mg. Last week GP said wait a week and if all the tests for everything come back okay then increase by 5mg to try to get PMR under control again.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Spittal9]

Ok- so not adrenals then, so obviously illness related. . Also have a look at this post for future reference - explains difference between flare and steroid withdrawal -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Spittal9 in reply to DorsetLady]

I will certainly keep this to refer to. Makes total sense. Thank you!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What a good GP! Oh that there were more of him ...

What's your dose? That is significant too.

[Spittal9 in reply to PMRpro]

Was slowly tapering from 11mg to 10g. He’s more than happy for me to go up 5mg to hopefully get on top of it again. I was so pleased with his response! He said that some people seem to hit a brick wall at 10mg after about two years. He said to take it slow and I’ll get there.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Spittal9]

But just for a few days? 1/2mg can make such a difference,

[Spittal9 in reply to PMRpro]

I’ll try to get myself stable again before I reduce again. I’m in no hurry to get off Pred so an even slower taper will suit me fine. Can’t say enough how pleased I am with my new GP attitude to it all.

[madhouse1 in reply to PMRpro]

Absolutely!

[madhouse1]

What a sensible GP, you lucky lady! I went through a dreadful fatigue phase but just rested, slept a lot - had no choice amd eventually it did improve. There’s no point fighting it. I tried as habe always been an active person but have had to learn to do a bit and rest or just rest depending on how I feel day by day. My locum GP was exactly like your and so helpful but no longer able to see her so I’m happy for you that you have a good understanding one.

[Spittal9 in reply to madhouse1]

Experience tells us that we will most likely have a fight on our hands with GPs and getting them to understand things as they affect us. So it makes a lovely change to have someone that listens.

How long did your fatigue stage last?