Hi good friends
Today I had a bad fall which resulted in an ambulance taking me to hospital. I received amazing attention and care. X ray showed a break in my shoulder. I’m home now with appropriate pain meds. I’ve been tapering by 1/2 mg each month and am at 3 mg. Should I increase my Pred?
Going to be sleeping sitting up for a while, the gas and air was a welcome support.
Oh no, what a bad day you've had. But I'm glad you got prompt and good treatment. Best wishes for speedy recovery!
I can't offer advice on pred. I'd have thought ordinary painkillers would be better, but I know people sometimes need a bit more for adrenal reasons, if not PMR symptoms, when they are at a low dose like you are. Have a look at the pinned Sick Day Rules post. 🌷
Thank you Heron for your kind wishes, I’ve taken on board your advice and read Sick Day Rules, for now I’m going to stay at 3mg. Taking all the painkillers religiously. 👍🏻
Poor you, what a nightmare! If it was me, I’d do nothing and see how I got on to give my body the benefit of the doubt, but with a low threshold for popping in an extra couple of mg. I’d be keeping my pain meds regular because I’ve found that prolonged pain can trigger upset from the adrenal glands not keeping up. Be on the lookout for Expect the next couple of weeks to reveal all sorts of pains in areas you thought were not hurt. It’s amazing what you can tweak on the way down trying to save yourself. General constitutional upset is par for the course too. I know others would up the dose of Pred as a matter of course. Did the doctor say anything about it?
Thank you Snazzy, I’ve decided to continue with the 3 mg for now. Thanks for the advice I’ll be aware of any additional pain from my fall. The hospital didn’t give me any advice regarding the Pred. Thankfully all you lovely people give valuable advice and tips. 👍🏻
When you hurt yourself or have an operation your body normally makes extra cortisol to help you recover, when on Pred this stops happening, that's why you get an extra shot while being operated on, well I did last op I had felt really good for a few days. So if you are suffering upping the Pred for a few days would not hurt.
Oh dear Tinasleepyhead, what a day you’ve had of it!
I fell and broke my shoulder some years ago so I have some idea how you feel. I think recovery is dependent on things like how bad the break is, where exactly it is in your shoulder, etc. I remember that I, like you, slept sitting up for a few days. I then graduated to sleeping on the sofa, which was so much softer than my bed (of course I’d just bought a firm mattress!)
I’d agree with others, make sure you stick to the routine you’ve been given for painkillers, and don’t let discomfort get out of control.
My instinct would be to take some extra pred just for a couple of days while your body adapts and recovers, but I see others may advise differently. Here’s the link to the Sick Day Rules - I’d suggest you discuss if possible with a doctor tomorrow.
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....
You’ve had a nasty shock. Do take care, and if you can, let us know how you’re getting on. In the meantime, I hope you have a comfortable night. Hugs xx
Thank you so very much for your helpful suggestions. Amazingly I slept well sitting up with V pillow and extra pillows, two footstools to stretch my legs out. After the gaz/air morphine and painkillers, I just woke once for a few mins then back to sleep. 👍🏻
I suffered a tibial plateau fracture (ice related) a few months before I developed PMR symptoms. While waiting (for many hours) in emergency it was excruciating when I tried to move but if I stayed very still I was okay. When someone finally came to take me to x-ray she asked me if I could walk! Apparently not great communication going on between staff. My leg had swollen to twice its size by then. I have since learned this is normal and is the body's very own built-in cast! However when I was leaving to go home I was given a prescription, and when I saw it was for 50 oxycodone tablets I refused it and said I would not have those in my house. I had to wait yet another hour before another doctor had time to write a new prescription for 20 tylenol 3. It took me an entire year, with a tiny bit of help from hubby, to use up those tablets (for headaches), as I only took about three or four, at bedtime over as many days, in case it helped with sleep, so I really didn't need that prescription at all. It was probably easier to keep a leg immobile than a shoulder, and of course I didn't have PMR then, so no potential adrenal issue.
I was so lucky when the ambulance came the two female paramedics were excellent one of them is in my Pilates class, they allowed me lashings of gaz and air. From the 999 call till I was back home, after X-rays etc was just over three hours, I was so fortunate 👍🏻
You were lucky, although not really, as you were injured. I'm sure the best part was being cared for by someone you knew. I was offloaded from ambulance and taken to a room within fifteen minutes. About three or four hours later I tried opening a mystery door as I needed a bathroom, and there was a room full of people at desks. I'm sure I'd been forgotten. The worst was having nothing to do. The only thing to read was the sign on the wall in multiple languages with symbols so you could describe your pain level. When some medic came in and started to examine the knee I screamed so loudly from pain he jumped back and was afraid to touch me again. The x-ray didn't show a break, so they wrapped me up in a half cast and sent me home. Next morning, and here is where my luck did kick in, I got a call from the newly-minted orthopod who had been a classmate of one of my sons, who had looked at my x-ray and noted something didn't look quite right, so I was called back in for an MRI. That only took about two or three hours. He had also noticed my name, so he knew me. I like to think he'd have taken as much care with anyone, but it was helpful to hear from him and see him at the hospital. Unfortunately because the leg was actually fractured we had to cancel a long-awaited trip, a cruise in parts of Australia and New Zealand which we were supposed to be leaving for just two weeks later.
Oh my goodness Heron what a situation to have gone through, thankfully you were able to speak up for yourself. I’ve not had any PMR symptoms so far since my fall so still on 3 mg. After completing the series with the weighted vest, I took a break and had just started again, building up slowly as before. When I am able, up and about walking I’ll resume 👍🏻
Personally I would take an extra 5 mgs for the shock and the effect of your body trying to draw on unreliable sources of adrenaline. I would take it for a week and then return straight to 3 mg. I broke mine in the past and found a sling a great help. The Homoepathic remedy Arnica will help with shock and injury - it contains nothing that will clash with your meds. Try to get aqua therapy when the time comes for rehabilitation. I really feel for you. I tripped over a suitcase on my return from Australia where I had climbed, Kayaked and swam pre PMR. Only a hairline crack but lots of pulled tendons. So painful.
I agree SJ. My gut reaction was that approx 5mg extra for a week would very likely help. Important to drop straight back down to 3mg, as you say, though.
Thank you so much for your response, my husband will get the Arnica tablets tomorrow. After all your sporting experiences, how miserable to have tripped over your suitcase. Last week we were in The Lake District celebrating my eldest sons 50th birthday, walking, climbing in all that rain, then this happens!
So sorry about your fall, what bad luck. Whether or not you decide to up the pred temporarily or not, at least pause your taper for a few weeks till you’re over the worst. Hope you’ve got someone at home to spoil you!
Thank you, I have my husband who has been great, it was a struggle for him to get my bra off though, that’s staying off for the foreseeable future 😂
Been there with shoulder replacement - but no hubby to help….🤣😂.., already had front fastening ones because of arthritis - surprising what you can do one handed when needs must !!
Can’t imagine how you coped on your own must have been frustrating at times. it’s my right side, I’m inventing new ways of doing things but still need help with getting tablets out etc. 😫
“Won’t be beaten” mentality-got me on a lot of trouble over the years 😳
Can the pharmacy not help there?
It’s ok my husband does it for me 👍🏻
Nothing much changes 😂
Seriously get a stretchy sport bra maybe front fastening. I am hooked ( excuse the pun) since PMR shoulder pain. I used to put it on feet first.
Ouch!
No more tapering for sure, but with the extra medication just see how you are - and as others have said maybe follow the sick day rules - but that does need to be discussed with doctor. Do have a look at link given by Nextoneplease and call surgery today for advice before the weekend is upon us.
Life will be uncomfortable and awkward with arm in sling etc, so good luck - plenty of TLC required. 🌸
Thank you Dorset Lady, yes it is difficult with a sling, unfortunately it’s my right side , cleaning my teeth was quite a challenge, I won’t be showering for a while that’s for sure 😩
Just replied above - bl@@dymindedness goes a long way …. When you need to do something 😉
Hi, showering was very awkward. I got myself some Senset skin cleansing foam from A.co.uk. You can use it with a flannel or face wipe, I felt freshened up. I discovered it when I had my knee replacement, they used it in the hospital x
Thanks for the idea 👍🏻
Thanks took your tip ordered on line and it’s on its way to me 🙏
I can’t offer advice on pred, I’d ask your doctor, but I send gentle hugs & hope you heal soon. It makes me grateful, I’ve fallen twice this week, & been OK. Take care, S x
Hi Pixix I can imagine how grateful you feel, falling is something we all try to avoid, I had an accident last year when the summerhouse door handle snapped on me which caused six weeks of bruised ribs 😞
Oooh, that’s nasty, too! On this last one, so sorry to hear the circumstances, that’s sad. Please take care, & hope the pain relief works! S x
Oh well done - NOT! What happened?
The Sick Day rules probably apply - but since some doctors appear not to have heard of them or, if they have, disagree with them, it is politic to ask your doctor first. A fall can be more than enough to trigger a flare (there is a paper in the literature discussing that) so be on the look out for PMR type discomfort rather than due to the fall - and that can be difficult I know. But absolutely don't go any lower on pred at present.
And I can only reiterate - keep on top of the pain. take pain meds regularly even if you aren't in pain now, you may well be soon and it is far harder to get under control once it has started up again.
I’d just had a nice afternoon with my youngest granddaughter (age 17) in the town we had chocolate fudge cake with ice cream 👍🏻 Then you on the way home I tripped myself up. A very kind elderly gentleman let me get my breath back sitting in his car, then he drove me to my home. Hubby rang 999, ambulance arrived in 10 mins, they soon gave me gaz/air. My granddaughter helped them holding up the morphine drip, she is such a darling.I’m following the advice on taking all meds for the pain 👍🏻
What a shame after such a nice time. Now just look after yourself!
Ouch! So sorry to hear about your fall. I would definitely ask your GP for advice about your pred dose and keep up with your painkillers. I have recently had shingles , followed by Covid and managed not to up my pred . I was on a low dose of 2 mg at the time. Sending gentle hugs x🌺🌺
Thank you so much for responding, I put the message on as I was going to sleep last night and awoke to all the helpful replies 👍🏻
Hi Tina, you have my sympathy. I fell and fractured my shoulder (proximal humerus)a few years ago so I know how very painful it can be. It’s good you’ve been given effective pain relief. Don’t be afraid to take it regularly. I slept sitting propped up in bed for a while but in retrospect I think one of those recliner chairs which you can control to lower or raise it would be very useful if you have one or could borrow one. As someone has said, it depends on what part is broken etc but pain can be excruciating as it is probably an unsecured fracture. Mine happened pre PMR but as others have said you should maybe follow sick day rules and increase your pred for a short time. Hope you can get some help in the home and start to feel better soon. Best wishes xx
Hi Rache - I’d no idea how painful it could be, I’m on top of the meds and will continue to do so.Thank you so very much for your helpful suggestions. Amazingly I slept well sitting up with V pillow and extra pillows, two footstools to stretch my legs out. After the gaz/air morphine and painkillers, I just woke once for a few mins then back to sleep. I’ve had a call from the fracture clinic with an appointment for next Weds for X-ray and consultation 👍🏻
I can’t advise on Pred, but like some others here, I had a bad shoulder fracture in three places and a dislocation which wouldn’t stay in place when put back. I bought a wedge pillow and slept sitting up. It was difficult when wearing the sling, and still can’t rest on my injured side. Can now lift my arm straight up though. I couldn’t put tops on, so bought blouses/shirts. Instead of my bra I bought a vest with some support and managed to take it off by stepping out of it! I was given physio exercises to do, and told to take paracetamol.
The consultant originally said that I should have a replacement, but later that the fracture was too complex. The hospital had many covid cases at the time and he said it was too risky with my weakened immune system. I am glad that I didn’t have the replacement now, as although my shoulder and arm don’t work or have quite the strength as before, I manage quite well and don’t think about it anymore.
I stopped taking Pred as I was constantly being told to by my Dr and consultant. As I/we can have other health issues alongside it is difficult to know at times which one is causing the problem.
My sister recently fell, hurrying to the phone and injured her shoulder. I try and be much more careful and think about where I’m walking and what I’m doing. Hope you feel better soon!
P.S My knee is giving me more trouble now than the shoulder, with a bruised bone. Memo to self: Look where you’re going and walk between two stone posts rather than directly into one!
Thanks for those tips, I’m wearing a camisole with thin straps that OH cut so they can be tied and untied. I need that memo!! How long did you use the sling? I was told I will have physio when healed. Sorry your knee troubling you, hope it soon improves.👍🏻
I used my sling for several weeks, it inspired a lot of kindness at work.
That was good for you. I’ve just spoken to my other granddaughter she is going to come over next week and give me a dry shampoo etc 😀
Oh that’s good 😊 What lovely granddaughters you have xx
After a while I was able to stand in the shower while my daughter washed my hair etc. Later I developed the knack of washing it with one hand. She also got me a couple of extra large shirts and a zip front hoodie which fitted over my sling - good arm in sleeve and bad arm with shirt/hoodie draped over. Wore vest tops underneath, forgot about bras - the loose over-shirts and hoodie hid things quite well! It was warm June weather so didn’t need a coat but these ideas might be useful for you indoors. It seems pain levels vary depending on the type of fracture. I was shocked at the severity of my pain. I wasn’t given sufficient pain relief at first so glad you’ve got your pain meds sorted quickly. Hope you have another good night’s rest xx
Hi RacheMine was proximal humerus too so I think we may have had similar experiences…..I was out at a very posh event with my husband and I guess I was wearing shoes I wouldn’t normally wear (1” heels 😂). I slipped in the Ladies just before we were due to sit down to a meal - there was no one else around. Eventually I was found by a waitress who called an ambulance and found OH. All very dramatic - and, as you say, painful 😖
Hope you made a good recovery - reading your experiences takes me back to that time x
Hi Rache thanks so much for very helpful ideas. My daughter in law came yesterday with three vest type tops (next size up) with stringy stretchy straps, and I’m taking your advice of zip up hoodie. Wasn’t up for answering message yesterday after a very uncomfortable night, to top it all, because of all the sitting I developed a very sore red bum. Even though I made sure to walk around the house but obviously my bum is not used to all this sitting. Been applying copious amounts of sudacrem which is helping the situation thankfully. So I’ve gone back to sleeping in my bed propped up and able to turn on the other side. Also borrowed a wheelchair cushion for sitting on the couch. Hey ho onward and upward. Xx
Glad to have been of some help. Sorry you’ve had an uncomfortable night. I was in the middle of radiotherapy for breast cancer when I fell and my fracture was on the same side as my treated breast. It meant I couldn’t continue radiotherapy for a while as I couldn’t lift my arm - what are the odds! Because of this, I was referred to pain clinic doctors who prescribed a selection of strong painkillers including morphine patches, in the hope I’d be able to do it as soon as possible. I slept well, as you can imagine, but still had to wait for a few weeks before continuing with my radiotherapy. Like you I found propped up in bed to be the best option. Lying down was impossible for several weeks.
Oh Rache you have been through the mill, I truly hope the cancer treatment is now complete and successful 🙏
Thank you Tina. It was in 2014 and so far so good! Have had no significant lasting effects from the fracture either. Can’t put my right hand as far up my back as I used to is the only difference. Hopefully you’ll make a full recovery too xx
That’s so good to hear xx
Well done Tina and thank you for your message below 😊
I do think my broken shoulder was one of the most painful events I’ve had - like you I slept eventually propped up on pillows, first on a soft sofa and then on my bed. Years later, I still can’t do up apron strings etc but I’m not in pain 👍
Distraction helped eg tv or chatting. And once I was well enough for physio, I made a programme of activities for every day (including rest time and socialising) and ticked it all off every day. A project, if you like!
Sorry it was a long time ago so my memory of it is a bit hazy but I’m sending you every good wish. You sound very positive, I’m sure you’ll get there 😊 Hugs xx
Me too 😊
Thank you so much really appreciated 👍🏻
Hi again, I think I needed to wear my sling for about three - four weeks, but I wore it a bit longer than that when I was out and about as it helped warn people not to bump into me in shops or on buses (this was well before Covid). I developed ways of getting clothing on and off and still use some of the methods eg fastening bra at the front. I haven’t regained full range of movement despite loads of physio, but I manage well and am not in pain apart from the odd twinge. All in all a good result !!
Glad you slept well last night. Hope you rest well tonight too and all the best to you 🤗xx
Hi there - thank you for your message if you look at my message to Rache you’ll understand what’s been going on. It is amazing the strategies we develop when faced with a dilemma I’ve learnt a few tricks in the past couple of days 👍🏻
I had my sling on for nearly 8 weeks. I felt it was a bit too long, yet at the same time felt ‘insecure’ when it came off. I had X-rays every week for five weeks. I suppose this depends on the injury. I had my first physio phone call 5 weeks after injury and ten and half weeks before first face to face appt. I was given simple exercises to do in the meantime. The timings may be different for you of course. As it was Boxing Day when I fell on ice, there were quite a number of people with injuries, and the physio dept was busy!
I later went to my own physio privately, where I had hands on manipulation. I can imagine how painful it is for you at present, but I don’t really think about my shoulder now. I can’t lift heavy boxes from shelves, but otherwise it’s fine , other than it not looking quite as before! I hope my own experience is of some help for you. I can explain my exercises when you’re ready, although I’m sure you will be provided with them!
My knee is more of a problem as I can’t go for long walks now, or stand for long. Could take 6mths I’m told ☹️ Thankyou for asking Tina.
Interesting to read of your experiences ClarkB and I hope you can get your knee sorted without too much delay x
It’s so frustrating when self inflicted! It’s hard enough dealing with health issues, some of which I’d never heard of, such as Polymyalgia, which appear despite taking care of oneself and a healthy diet!
Thank you so much it’s good to hear of everyone’s experiences. I will certainly take you up on you offer of helpful exercises when appropriate. Must be so frustrating for you, I love walking every day, I’m going to be very apprehensive when I get outside again as I’m often tripping but never before with this result 😫 best wishes to you 🌼
It’s natural to feel apprehensive when you venture outside after a bad fall. Somehow you have to strike a balance between being over apprehensive, taking furtive steps to walking confidently as before. Without looking constantly at the ground, nevertheless you have to check for any potential obstacles in your path. I try to do that, looking for uneven slabs on pavements, well worn steps, and slippery stones after rain. I twisted my knee on a walk, when I slipped on a twig and loose stones. I sound as if I’m being over cautious, but I try and spot potential hazards, just keeping them in mind without them taking over! I certainly try to be more careful than before. I have an additional problem of having double vision, and can walk into things. My eyes are corrected by a prism on my glasses. This helps but can create distortion when moving about.I’m sure it’s still very painful for you as it’s early days, but it’s a question of time. I felt safe with my sling, but afterwards did some physio guided exercises which do help with movement.
I so appreciated your message sorry it has taken me a few days to get back, I’ve been so uncomfortable with my rear end caused by sleeping sitting up. I’m on the case with barrier cream and sudacrem. Also contacted my surgery and they will be delivering an appropriate cushion and mattress. I have no problem sleeping sitting up it’s just making me so sore and uncomfortable. I stay on my feet all day, apart from meals, which isn’t a problem. I’ve walked each day for an hour or so with with a friend which has been really good for me. As you can imagine I’m looking where I’m going taking a little more care.
My daughter in law found a bit of kit to help wash my hair, it’s like a shower cap put on head, hubby massage for three mins, that’s it, just towel dry, that made me feel more human.
Saw the consultant yesterday had further X-rays, he is suggesting exercises, if you are able to message me any suggestions I would appreciate that ver much, they didn’t have any leaflets, I have found some exercises on Google/YouTube.
Kindest regards
Hair falling in gca treatment 
steroids after a fall…
I keep falling asleep
Leg cramps and falling asleep
Falling over
