Regular blood tests and very dry throat

[Rosshigh]

Can I ask how often bloods should be checked. I have not had blood tests for 3 months. Can I also ask if very dry throat especially during the night which causes snoring is side effect of prednisolone. OH says it sounds as if I am choking.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Replied yesterday to another thread on snoring…..the Pred can redistribute the adipose fat around your throat. Throat may be dry because you are breathing through mouth rather than nose, or the medication (any medication, check leaflet for side effects). As you reduce the steroids that should improve. Treat your OH to some earplugs.😊

Blood testing seems to be a bit hit and miss (even more so since Covid) - mine was done monthly for first 18months and then down to every 3 months - but it was GCA and a few years ago. Every 2 to 3 months is not unreasonable- my personal view…

[Rosshigh in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DorsetLady. Hoping things improve as dose of pred reduces. Am also on blood pressure pills and antihistamine so will check leaflets.

Thanks again for your reply as was wondering about blood tests.

Getting flu and booster on 19th so pleased to get that out the way for the winter 🤞🤞x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rosshigh]

Think more likely to be BP tablets or antihistamine than Pred….but worth checking…may be able to change brands.

[Rosshigh in reply to DorsetLady]

Will check and ask gp if I ever get the chance! Again thanks for all your help. Goodness knows where I would be without you all xx

[suzy1959]

All my medications seem to leave me with a dry mouth- the more I take the worse it gets! I find it the most annoying side effect, other than the sleeplessness pred. gives me.

[Rosshigh in reply to suzy1959]

Thanks for your reply. It is really unpleasant and breaks your sleep as it wakes you up!! X

[SheffieldJane in reply to suzy1959]

Xylimelts have improved my dry mouth symptoms. You stick a tablet on your incisor and it remains glued there all night and keeps the mouth and throat lubricated.

[Rosshigh in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks. I have ordered some and hopefully will help.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Rosshigh]

I do think my throat has narrowed and I am prone to choking. I don’t snore but my GP has mentioned sleep studies for sleep apnea a couple of times. The XyliMelts do work well.

[Rosshigh in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks again. Do feel my throat may be the same as yours as find swallowing restricted some times so look forward to trying Xylimets x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

My current flare is identical to my original PMR in almost every detal - including the choking on anything (or nothing) and a resulting avalanche of sneezing and coughing. But no problem with dry mouth now.

[Rosshigh in reply to PMRpro]

That's interesting to know. I have had a similar experience with the sneezing and coughing too. Will get xylimets within the next couple of days. Did they help you?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosshigh]

I didn't use them - this was years ago, the original symptoms, long before I found out about xylimelts on the lupus forum.

[Rosshigh in reply to PMRpro]

Will let you know if they make a difference to my problem. 😊X

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It can be an effect of autoimmune disorders. I wonder if xylimelts would help?

xylimelts.co.uk/

[Rosshigh in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro I checked it out so will now go and get some. Sounds as if it might help.

How are you doing? Hope you're coping at the moment.

Thanks again for your excellent advice as usual x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosshigh]

Much as usual - but a glorious warm sunny day - though frosty first thing. Need to go to the supermarket but it should be quiet since it is really past tourist season and the locals will still be walking up and down mountains

[Rosshigh in reply to PMRpro]

Glad you have a nice day there as we have heavy rain☹️. I visited the supermarket myself this morning. Our shelves are a bit emptier but it was busy none the less.

I have ordered xylimets thanks so will see if they help.

Visualising locals walking up and down mountains 😂x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosshigh]

My husband sat having his breakfast at 8am this morning watching a paraglider coming down from the mountain opposite our balcony - and they must have walked up to the top (2000m or so) carrying the parachute as there is no lift there anyway. The lift to the top of the usual mountain must be closed for the season as there are none up there.

Hope the xylimelts help - worth a try. Don't let the dog get one!

[Rosshigh in reply to PMRpro]

Wow that's some walk!! Wish we could do that kind of walk😁.

Fortunately don't have a dog just a husband😂 x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosshigh]

To be fair, we are at 850m, you can drive up to 1400m ...

[Rosshigh in reply to PMRpro]

Fair enough. Sounds beautiful to look out your window and see lovely scenery. Must be very calming x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosshigh]

I love living here - everything in walking distance including a bank and PO in the village! And the surroundings are amazing...

[suzy1959 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much for this- I have not come across these before so have ordered some now.

[2013mayo]

Hi, Blood test? What are they, my docs don’t bother, nor do rheumatologist, can’t remember my last blood test.

As for snoring, well I’ve been told snore, and yes I do do choke in the night.

Take care.

Xx

[Rosshigh in reply to 2013mayo]

More common than I thought then.

Hopefully we both won't choke🤞x

[2013mayo in reply to Rosshigh]

😂Xx

[Meggsy]

Prednisone is my only medication and I have a blood test once a year and bone density scan two yearly.

[Rosshigh in reply to Meggsy]

Thanks for your reply. I thought blood tests were done more regular.

[Meggsy in reply to Rosshigh]

I am in Australia and am not on any other medications other than prednisolone. I have no other medical conditions (to my knowledge) but would probably have more frequent tests if I did. 3.5years, and presently 2.5mg.

[Rosshigh in reply to Meggsy]

Thanks for your reply. Surprised at the lack of blood tests. Thought they would be more regular

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rosshigh]

Pre covid they were (for most people) but a lot of things have “slid off the table” ……😳.

[Rosshigh in reply to DorsetLady]

How right you are!! 😁