Breathless

[Uglow]

Any one else breathless on prednisone. Not everyday random

[jinasc]

When you say 'breathless' is it (a) constant, when you exert yourself or (b) just sitting down.

If it is either 'a' or 'b' then you need to get it checked out.

I am hoping I am not going to worry you, but either (a) or (b) can be a sign that something is going on with your heart. Best get if checked asap.

[Uglow in reply to jinasc]

Had ecg was fine

[piglette in reply to Uglow]

When you say your ECG was fine did you have a Holter monitor where you wear a monitor for a day or two? Also have you had an echocardiogram or any other tests?

[Uglow in reply to piglette]

No

[jinasc in reply to Uglow]

As piglette asks, did you have a 24 hour monitor and when did you have the ECG?

[Uglow in reply to jinasc]

No

[Uglow in reply to jinasc]

I will speak to Gp coz it comes snd goes

[Uglow in reply to jinasc]

Only occasionally when I go upstairs or walking snd taking at same time. Lol

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Uglow]

Then you are probably trying to do too much at one time!!! You do have an illness that has a similar effect on the body to flu!

An ECG is only a snapshot - you need the film to get a proper diagnosis for some things because they have to happen while they are looking - my A fib happens now and again, between times the ECG is fine.

[Constance13 in reply to jinasc]

Interesting! I have never suffered from breathlessness until a couple of months ago. It's mostly when I am wearing a mask - just occasionally if I've "over-done it" too. Never severe, just annoying.

[SheffieldJane]

I have been referred to a cardiologist for the same thing. My Rheumatologist does not think it fits with my conditions or drugs. There is heart disease in the family. Get it checked out as Jinasc advises.

[Kendrew]

Hi Uglow. When I first began taking prednisolone, I experienced breathlessness frequently but not when at rest. The slightest exertion would render me out of breath.... sometimes a little and sometimes a lot depending on the level and duration of activity. This settled down eventually and not been a problem on lower doses.

Any breathlessness that is constant or occurs when at rest is not normal and needs to be checked out. An ECG will not necessarily detect every possible heart condition....some require scans and supplementary investigations.

[Uke1 in reply to Kendrew]

This describes what has happened to me exactly. I thought it was my asthma getting worse! Now I am on 5mg per day my breathlessness has all but gone. It appears the medics aren’t aware of this side-effect…

[Uglow in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you

[nallufl24]

I am often out of breath on prednisone but it’s only on exertion. I have told doctor, home health nurses and therapists. No one seems concerned since it is during exertion

[agingfeminist]

2 years after my PMR/GCA began (from 60mg now at 5mg) I still get breathless on exertion...never before this adventure began. The breathlessness after exertion began after a couple of months. Doc did routine check but no holter. Said it was OK. My former fit self is but a distant memory.

[Karenjaninaz in reply to agingfeminist]

Breathlessness is common when one is deconditioned.

[Polymialgia in reply to Karenjaninaz]

What does that mean?

[Karenjaninaz in reply to Polymialgia]

“Out of shape”, not physically fit, - from either lack of exercise or illness.

[Uglow in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Well I’m out of shape yes coz I’m in pain

[Polymialgia in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Well we usually can’t run a marathon with PMR but I don’t think breathing problems can be just down to that and I doubt would it normally appear overnight as did mine, there has to be something more , I’m not overweight have a bmi of 24, don’t drink ,don’t smoke and have been pretty active for all of my 72 years

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Polymialgia]

Ah yes - but PMR resets "normal" and the underlying autoimmune disorder attacking your body tissues really does seem to work a bit like running a 10km even if not a marathon. If the blood flow to the muscles is impaired they perceive it to be a lack of oxygen and then the body responds by increasing breathing rate - and you become breathless/out of breath

[Ashington52]

I can’t believe I’m reading your post as I googled breathlessness yesterday. Yes I do get breathless but only on exertion and I have read that this is one of the side effects. I’ve also got swollen legs and ankles.

[Uglow in reply to Ashington52]

I only get if I’m attempting to walk and talk all in one go I try to do breathing exercises to help. Like today nothing. My gp said it’s pred related. I read that pmr has flu like symptoms too!

[Polymialgia]

Yes I have suffered with it for over 3 years, came on suddenly after about 6 months on prednisone, I’ve had all sorts of tests etc and various diagnoses, been issued with inhalers etc. but nothing makes any difference, I recently managed 4 weeks without prednisone and it improved dramatically but onset of pain made me go back on it and subsequently breathing got worse again, so I am absolutely positive that it is a reaction to prednisone and something I am stuck with until I can finally say goodbye to PMR

[Skysey]

Hi Uglow. No I haven’t experienced breathlessness with my meds. Hope things improve for you.

[Tahiri]

Yes . I was breathless at intervals and my Dr prescribed a Ventolin inhaler. He seemed unconcerned. I’ve had no need for it since my Prednisilone has reduced. Best wishes, Tahiri

[Hankb]

I've been on pred for 12 months and I occasionally get out of breath when doing the slightest thing, at other times I'm ok.I put it down to one of the effects of PMR which is a life changer, jobs which took me half an hour now take me half a day. Sadly it has to be accepted, be kind to yourself and you will cope. I'm sorry that I can't give you any real advice but just letting you know that you are not alone. Best wishes

[Uglow in reply to Hankb]

Thank you it helps that you understand x

[misspops]

I get out of breath from bending over to the floor, and boy, my knees hurt.

[sequeluk]

Hi Uglow, sounds like a similar thing to what I have experienced. It seems to come on after I have been doing a lot of activity and my heart rate doesn't return to normal resting levels for some hours (once nearly 24 hours). I've had a couple of recent ECG's but heart rate was normal when I got there so nothing untoward showing up. I haven't managed to get the GP to recommend a Holter monitor yet. After the last episode (about 3 weeks ago) I was prescribed Propranolol (beta blocker) and I have been taking these on an ad-hoc basis (1X40mg 2 or 3 days a week) on the days I am doing something active (either playing golf or doing a long walk of 10-12 miles) and this seems to have been able to keep it under control so far. Pretty sure it is all Prednisolone induced and hoping it will improve as I taper down to lower doses (currently down to 15mg from a starting point of 80mg). Have had to accept that I can't maintain the same level of activity that I was used to pre-diagnosis. Best wishes

[Summerrental]

I get out of breath when walking up steps, Cardiologist said normal because I am in pain due to knee & back pain. Said pain will cause you to get out of breath when walking.

[USAGCA]

Hi Uglow. I was about to post about the same thing. I get short of breath in flash moments throughout the day at rest. I feel like I’m suffocating at times. I saw a cardiologist and had a stress test. Some days I don’t have any problems. The only thing that I can compare it to is when I was had ovarian hyper stimulation induced pulmonary edema years ago during fertility treatments. It’s a frustrating symptom considering I can easily jog a slow mile without stopping.

[Maudie19]

Yes but at 79 would I have had it anyway without the meds. It does seem to have disappeared a bit now that I am down to 10mg. But I think we sometimes try to do what we did before - that now doesn't appear to be possible.

[196_]

I became breathless with pred