Was this an adrenal problem

[Cobnut]

Last week I went to our orthopedic hospital for an infusion to help my osteoporosis. As the bottle emptied into my arm I felt fine if a little bored as it takes an hour. Then I started to feel weird and ended up fainting. The nurses were lovely and a doctor was called and an ECG given. When my blood pressure was correct etc I was allowed to go. I told them I took steroids but no connection was made. I then remembered that I fainted after a heart stress procedure and it took a while for me to come round. This was at a different hospital. I am wondering if I need to see a GP re this as from reading various posts it would appear it could be a repeat problem for me. I am now six years with GCA and PMR, on 6mg pred and have not seen a consultant for 20 months.

[jinasc]

You need to see your GP asap. Refer them if necessary to the link below.

You need to ask for an endocardiograph (ultrasound) to check your Aorta and Pulmonary arteries. As you have GCA this should be done after 2 years on pred.

I had GCA and after 2 years the ulstrasound then 2 years later another one. Then into remission after 5 years.

Read the BSR Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of PMR.

Link: academic.oup.com/rheumatolo...

Para 5 extract "and signs or symptoms indicating involvement of the aorta and its proximal branches".

[Cobnut in reply to jinasc]

Hi jinascThanks for your reply. I certainly think I need to speak to my GP about this episode and indeed about my illness in general. I shall seek an appointment ASAP.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think some checks are probably called for. The feeling weird after the infusion is probably not uncommon and they did check you at the time. It is a bit soon for it to be worth doing a synacthen test because you won't have much cortisol at 6mg pred anyway. But equally - seeing a rheumy would be a good idea.

[Cobnut in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply PMRpro. I certainly think I need to speak to my GP even though the checks were carried out at the time. The nurse who carried out the infusion procedure was surprised to hear that I am not under the care of a rheumatologist but have in the past seen a urologist. I have queried this many times to no avail. I just hope that the same thing doesn't happen when I have my second cataract done soon. It could possibly be due to the stress of the procedures as anxiety is a problem for me. Thanks again