Hi there it might seem a silly question but it 5mg of prednisolone a relatively safe dose to be on long term please .
Because of other meds I am
On I darent raise dosage but as I have been getting symptoms am scared to lower dosage further
Any advise much appreciated 😊thank you .
Are your symptoms those of PMR or different?
Hi there . Symptoms of PMR in as much as shoulders and upper arm pains and the feeling of heaviness .
Also now getting right side rib pain/ ache plus across middle of back . Unfortunately this is where it gets clouded as I have osteoporosis and vertebral fractures . One of which is T12 which I believe is at waist height so can affect ribs .
I was trying to decide whether PMR causing it or the fractures . It came out if the blue whereas previously when I get pain from fractures it’s when I have moved awkwardly or twisted myself .
Sorry bit long winded reply 😊
Not long-winded at all; it's best to explain in detail and it's good that you've done that to enable others to give an informed response. The symptoms you describe (shoulders and upper arms) are suggestive of a flare and I would advise you to contact your rheumatologist regarding whether or not you should up your Pred dose a little. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful but I'm sure others will be along soon.
Thank you for your reply . I don’t have a rheumatologist.
Lucky me lol . One long fight after another to try and get help . Will contact my GP ( although even that probes virtually impossible ) . Previously I would have just upped the dosage myself but I have gastrointestinal issues and now I am also on blood thinners ( which the dr wouldn’t put me on until dosage of pred was lowered ) I’m just a little reluctant to up it until I have spoken to someone I guess . 😊
It's so difficult to speak to GPs at the moment and I do sympathise. All I can say is persevere with this as you do need advice especially as you have other issues and this latest development of symptoms are impacting on your everyday life. In anticipation of any forthcoming appointment 🤞🏼we advise people to write down everything they want to say/ask before any appointment be it face to face 🙄 or in a telephone appointment as it's so easy to leave things out especially if you feel you are being hurried. However, I'm ashamed to admit that I forgot an important question recently because I was distracted even though I'd written down my questions and I kicked myself afterwards!!
Pfft - I'm on a blood thinner, I am on the 15+mg pred I need currently to be able to function. The cardiologist is fine about it - some of the need for the pred dose is her area - the atrial fibrillation is worse if I start to flare.
Anything below 7.5mg is considered a low dose...so if you think it's PMR related you could perhaps try an increase to that and see if it helps.
Alternatively try an ordinary painkiller (assuming you can with other meds) - if they help it's not PMR but something else.
Thank you . It has improved a little as the day has gone on and I’m moving around more . Bearing in mind I’m up at 4.30 am every day lol . Take pred around 6 am plus on getting up gabapentin and paracetamol. 2nd dose paracetamol in and can at least get dressed albeit slowly . It’s hard to know sometimes isn’t it but in this instance it probably isn’t PMR.
Really appreciate your input 😊
Yes it is difficult, and obviously as you get lower on the steroids, all the other aches and pains of life resurface (previously masked by Pred)......if only life were simple sometimes ..🙄
If you are up at 4,30am - why not take the pred then? The earlier in the day you take it, the better. 2am is the ideal time for minimal morning problems.
Don’t think I could eat that early lol . Do have to take it with food ( allegedly to protect my stomach ) . But I could manage a couple of biscuits I’m sure dunked in my coffee ha ha .
A glass of milk or a yoghurt is often enough. And if they are that concerned - have they not put you on stomach protection? Famotidine or cimetidine are both available OTC as Pepcid and Tagament - can't remember which is which offhand though
Don’t try and sit it out, the PMR will always win in the end.
My problem is the medications I am on put me at risk of a stomach bleed and or gastrointestinal issues as previously had ulcer . The blood thinners are needed as I had blood clot in leg last year plus I am factor v Leiden positive . So the pred has to now be balanced against the other issues . Can’t get to speak with my own GP until 1 November and although the shoulder upper armPain is bearable . The lower back and associated rib pain isn’t so bearable . This could be down to my vertebral fractures though so I may have to sit it out and keep taking the meds .
I understand that. If you don’t feel confident about increasing phone 111 say you have a flare and ask their advice.
Thank you . Just waiting for meds for my fractures to have time to kick in and if that doesn’t help I will . Currently sitting with ice packs on too lol 😂
Oh Looby60 I wouldn’t wait until 1st November ! If this doesn’t resolve with your painkillers for fractures you could call the GP surgery or 111. If you don’t let them know, they can’t see that you’re in pain - but from your post I can imagine it all too well 😳
Please don’t suffer - try the options you have with painkillers and/ or pred and if they’re not working, seek help.
Nextoneplease x
Thank you . The pain to be fair is nothing to what I suffered when I had the vertebral collapse . Having said that I had finally got to the stage where I could walk around on sticks ( within reason ) now I’m back to walking frame in last few days .
So frustrating these setbacks.
So am going to contact GP in the morning to see if there is something they can help with or ask re increasing pred .
I can’t take nsaids again because of gastrointestinal issues .
Luckily I’m a positive person and try to stay that way .
This group helps so much . The support and the information is varied and helpful .
I’m still thinking this problem is the worst vertebrae at T12 which had 80 percent bone loss but I’m
No dr or osteoporosis nurse .
Apologies I have rambled on a bit but it’s only here that we all understand what we go through and how hard it is sometimes .
Hi Looby 😊
You have definitely not rambled on, far from it! I’m pleased you’ll be contacting the GP in the morning. Don’t sugar coat what’s happening, ( I’m sure you won’t), they need to know the facts or they can’t help.
Hope you feel a bit more comfortable soon 🤗 Will be interested to hear how you get on.
All the best
Nextoneplease x
Thank you . I will update. Lot of different things for gp to consider plus I started on Forsteo injections last week so not sure what that rules out medication wise . Hard to believe that this time last year I was working full time, walking our dogs etc with no issues really at all . Then I could up the pred if had flare up though . Ah well onwards upwards .. see what happens 😊
Good morning. Sorry update has taken so long .
Well GP upped the gabapentin so I could increase when needed .also gave me diazepam ( which I always have for emergencies)
Got me over that sticky part .
Gradually pain become more bearable .
I’m walking about a lot more now on sticks and also get our every day for a short walk .
Hubby brings our dogs along which is lovely as that was always a big part of my routine .
Onwards and upwards 👍
Well done Looby.💐🍀. Glad things are improving for you. Take it easy though and enjoy your short walks.
Thank you so much . The support from this group is invaluable 💖
