Osteoporosis due to Pred

[YuliK]

three months ago I had a very bad bout of Covid

Waking up to use the bathroom I fainted and had a nasty fall. Ended up in hospital

X-rays were taken, and I was informed all was fine !!!

I struggled for three months with dreadful pains in my back up to my neck I put it down to RA

a few weeks ago my oncologist sent me for a CT a follow up after a few years ago diagnosed with fibromyalgia sarcoma

The CT showed I had a fractured T12 vertebraea and osteoporosis …now I understand why I have been in agony

My rheumatologist suggested that I start methotrexate , but I have been reluctant due to the fact that I have a FATTY liver….she also told me not to take anti-biotics while I’m on MTX.

my GP said it’s OK to take antibiotics whilst using MTX.

I am completely confused. I haven’t started MTX yet as I’m coping with a UTI. Plus teeth implants ,

which require antibiotics

I’m 80 years old next birthday ..April

Still taking Pred 1:5mg

I tried reducing the 0:5mg and I felt the pmr again so quickly upped to 1:5mg again

my GP insisted the osteoporosis is due to the PRED and I should get off it immediately

so frustrating when doctors contradict each other 🤣

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear all that - have a virtual hug or 3, they won't hurt the fracture!

Your GP is wrong on both counts - I'd sack them and find someone better informed.

No, if you are on abx, you stop the MTX until the abx are finished, One of the things you should be told when starting MTX. He cannot be sure the osteoporosis is entirely the pred UNLESS you had a dexascan done before starting the pred. It may already have been there and measures should have been taken then to prevent it getting worse. And since you are down to 1.5mg, really not likely to make much difference now - I would hope they are putting you on one of the bone building drugs to reverse the process. In which case, the pred dose is immaterial. 1.5mg isn't much but it is plenty to keep PMR symptoms at bay and keep you functioning from the adrenal point of view. Stopping it suddenly would chuck the cat among the pigeons there.