GP opinion

[ChrisinNam]

Had to see the doc yesterday for an unrelated problem. Energy levels are minus and have been for months now. Not sure the doc is on the same page as me, because I mentioned that I still have some pains in the shoulders, and she said she thinks that's arthritis! And I'm convinced it's muscular. However, she does seem quite happy for me to stay at 5mg for a while, even though she said that at 5mg there are "no side effects". Really? Seeing Rheumatologist face to face in May. From what I've seen on this site the doc hasn't a clue.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Would say she is partially on the same page -she is correct in saying that at 5mg and below there is very little in the side effect line compared to higher doses. At least she’s not pushing you to reduce.

Also at that level of Pred, many do find other aches and pains surface - being masked at higher doses. osteoarthritis being one, so perhaps ask for an X-ray to find out and try paracetamol and see if that makes any difference. Plus you could try a muscular cream -that may help. We are apt to blame PMR for everything, when sometimes it isn’t that.

As for energy levels, I would plump for adrenals still struggling to get going again - a slow steady taper, time, patience and plenty of resting when necessary will get you through -perhaps have a look at this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"No side effects" - is rubbish. Fewer possibly, but it depends on the person. And after a long time on pred - at 5mg you get the "lack of pred" effects as adrenal function struggles to adjust.

I hope they all end up with something that needs pred as management - quite a few doctors who do have a Damascene road experience!!!!

[SnazzyD]

I wouldn’t say “no side effects”; I certainly knew I was taking Pred but the side effects were nothing compared to higher doses. For me, getting to doses under 5mg was when my adrenal glands started to work and that dose reduction was very much needed to trigger this. However, needing to control your discomfort is another thing. May I ask when this pain crept back and also, what activity do you do?

[ChrisinNam in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi SnazzyD, The pain didn't creep back. it never properly went away. Activity? I have absolutely no energy, and my legs are so weak I can barely walk at all. So no activity at all.