Return to big brother house

[Burnley1959]

Hola, having just spent a month and a half in Spain I have now returned to Blighty and unfortunately I've had to bring my PMRGCA with me. ( we've become quite attached, its very needy)

Ok so an update, still on 40mg of preds, blood thinners and beta blockers and statins, so nothing has changed there. Was contacted by the cardiologist and have an appointment in June. Also contacted by the rheumatologist who apologised for not being in contact ( apparently there's been a pandemic going on, who knew) they have stated me on methotrexate 15mg once a week with some folic acid stuff , so when the rheumatologist appointment comes through I gather that there will be a reduction in the preds.

Feeling quite lucky at the moment, no pain and exercising regular although I do realise I'm full of drugs and I do get fatigued so rest up quite a lot. Still got the foot drop, went to the Neurophysiology and everything came back satisfactory.

one thing is that I am starting to get muscle cramps in my hands and legs, question is can I take magnesium supplement whilst on Preds to counter attack the cramps.

[SheffieldJane]

I know of no contraindication in taking Magnesium supplements alongside Prednisalone. I have taken them for years and fond that they not only alleviate cramp but they also help with sleep and restless legs. What I don’t know is if it is ok with your other drugs/supplements and conditions so I would double check with a pharmacist. Make sure that you compensate for the vitamin D loss too. Although the weather here has been good.

[Burnley1959 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Cheers that what I thought, although I will consult the Chemist. Thanks for the reply, hope your keeping well.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Welcome back! Yes you can take magnesium with Pred - but just be aware it can upset stomach in some people.

Might be worth thinking about a spray rather than tablets…or good old fashion Epsom salts in the bath or in a basin for hands.

[Burnley1959 in reply to DorsetLady]

Cheers Mrs its nice to hear from you. Hope your ok.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Burnley1959]

Fine thanks very much….

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - magnesium is fine alongside pred - probably half of us use it at some point! But don't use magnesium salicylate alongside methotrexate,

Don't diss the "folic acid stuff" - it is essential to manage the MTX adverse effects, especially hair loss. Some rheumies just say 1x 5mg weekly - others use it every day except the MTX day so if the amount you've been told is low don't assume you can't go up.

You MAY be able to reduce the ored with MTX - but then again, you may not. It works brilliantly for some - others it just makes them feel ill.

[Burnley1959 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you , I took my first dose this week along with the folic acid so will see how it goes.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Burnley1959]

Hopefully NOT "along with the folic acid" - it must be taken on different days.

[Burnley1959 in reply to PMRpro]

Really they never told me that ???? wow I need to remember that. Thankyou

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Burnley1959]

Choose your MTX day. take folic acid on all the other days. The MTX interferes with the folic acid production in the body - and that is what causes many of the side effects. So it must be replaced. It isn't clear if trying to replace it on the MTX day interferes with the MTX so it is safest to separate them,

Did you not get a nurse training session? There is lots on MTX in the FAQs - much of it done by MrsNails who has taken it a lot and has had the desired effect of being able to manage on lower pred doses. Are they also monitoring you correctly?

[KASHMIRI1 in reply to Burnley1959]

My Rheumatologist advised me to take Mtx on Monday and Folic acid on Friday. I haven't started it yet as he wants me to get down to 10mg of pred.

[Sharitone in reply to KASHMIRI1]

If you only get FA once a week, watch out for your hair! If it starts falling out, you can take up to 6 a week, just not on Mtx day.

[Burnley1959 in reply to Sharitone]

If my hair starts falling out Im going full Yul Brinner kojak stylie

[Sharitone in reply to Burnley1959]

I reckon you could get away with it better than some of us!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sharitone]

Doesn't appeal to me ...

[Sharitone in reply to PMRpro]

No? Judging from your avatar...!

[Burnley1959]

Ive had my bloods done, which is to be repeated every two weeks, also had an induction, know unless I misheard no mention of the separation, I will contacted them next week to clarify.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Burnley1959]

Maybe they don't bother - but most clinicians separate the doses and that is NHS policy

nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexa....