Am I Relapsing

[Pommygranny]

I was diagnosed by GP with PMR Aug 2019. Started with 15 mg pred got down to 3 by November 2021 then had a relapse. Extreme fatigue major symptom. Saw Rheumi who confirmed PMR put back to 10 mg Dec 2021 with the advice of trying MTX in May this year. Said I’d prefer to try reducing again but slowly. Down to 8 mg currently Had covid 8 weeks ago and a month later my 6th covid jab. Since then I have had upper resp tract infection for which i have been prescribed steroid inhaler. Still coughing but slightly better. My question is this. Although I walk very slowly because of stiffness I don’t suffer a lot of pain but these last two weeks I have been sleeping approx 16 hours a day and have zero energy. Is fatigue alone a sign of relapse. I am trying not to increase my steroids and hoping the fatigue will go away. Should I relent and take the MTX or increase my steroids. I have also been diagnosed with cataracts recently possibly steroid induced? My Gp has ordered xray and ecg readings but no blood test.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you have fatigue, but no PMR symptoms, I would be plumping for adrenals stuttering….with maybe a leftover from Covid thrown in for good measure. But do monitor the stiffness, that could indicate PMR grumbling as well, many have found covid has led to a flare..hope not, but need to be aware.

If it is adrenals, it’s really a matter of time, very slow tapering and patience…maybe have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Pommygranny in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your guidance

[piglette]

Your rheumi should have recognised that your initial fatigue was probably the adrenal glands and should not have increased the dose like they did.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is only 2 months since you had Covid. From what you say you didn't use the Sick Day Rules while you were ill and do I gather you didn't wait until after the symptoms were gone before having another go at your immune system by having the vaccine? Your own adrenal function is absent to a greater or lesser degree. I'm not really surprised you are so exhausted.

[Pommygranny in reply to PMRpro]

Can someone point me to sick day rules please. I missed that.

[MrsNails in reply to Pommygranny]

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[Pommygranny in reply to MrsNails]

This explains everything. Thank you

[MrsNails in reply to Pommygranny]

No problem.