Does stress affect PMR?

[Mazxstitch]

My husband has fallen twice down garden steps resulting in severe injuries. He has had a car crash (nobody hurt), but dealing with insurance, repairs etc which took weeks was very stressful for me. His BP was, at one point 188/80 he was prescribed an additional medication which reduced his BP too low after 4 weeks. He stopped that medication some time ago, but today his BP was 109/66. He has spoken to a doctor and will be following that advice.

I had reduced to 2mg of Prednisolone, but was feeling so stiff, no pain as such, but I couldn't get up from an armchair without assistance! I have increased to 7mg 3 days ago and feel much better, but where do I go from here?

Diagnosed April 2018 with PMR, started on 15mg and have had a lot of yo-yoing until June 2020 when I started using a tapering plan.

Sorry the post is rather long 😘

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Simple answer - most definitely!

This post gives advice on dealing with flares - have a read through and adjust the example given to your own circumstances/doses.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Sorry to hear about your husband, and as for you don’t be in any rush to reduce….the last thing you need is to return to your previous yo-yoing pattern.

[Mazxstitch in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the information. I will stay on the 7mg for a few more days and go back to using one of your tapering plans.

[SnazzyD]

Your post wasn’t too long because it gave essential detail to be able to sum it up and say, YES IT CAN and you’ve had a belly full! DL has given the detail

[Mazxstitch in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No such thing as too long a post (unless it puts people off reading it) and yours was quite moderate really. But if we don't know, we can't offer sensible advice.

My husband had been seriously ill for nearly 2 years and died a few weeks ago - I have been in a constant flare the entire time so yes, stress of that sort will cause a flare. I had been on 12mg or so before but since last spring I have been at 15mg to be able to function reliably. Something you will know all about. During the last month I had needed more, 17mg first and 19mg for a short time. I have managed to return to 17mg and feel much better in myself - except for pain in my left bicep which has stopped me going down to 15mg.

Try 5mg - that may be enough, then test the water and see what you need - you may get lower, but if you don't, it really isn't the end of the world. You have a situation to deal with now, and that is the important factor.

[Mazxstitch in reply to PMRpro]

I am so sorry about your loss and thank you for your advice.

[Theziggy in reply to PMRpro]

So sorry for your loss. And I do know that emotional stress can cause flares.

Stay safe

[PuttyPenguin in reply to PMRpro]

Ms Ambassador, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bless you for continuing to reply to all the posts. ...I also agree that stress is a factor.

[Paddie8254 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi Eileen, please accept my sincere condolences on the recent loss of your husband.I don't be on the site very much but just happened to see your post. I hope you are coping the best you can, under the circumstances. Take Care and Bless You and your Daughters.

[Paperroses]

PMR PRO>>>>>Sorry for your loss. I feel the pain with you. I just lost my husband of 48 years end of September. I have undergone a lot of stress along with being ill with covid. My inflammation went up and I had to increase my dose also.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Paperroses]

Yes, I remember you posting. We'd have been married 48 years come January, together over 50 years.