Where to start? …….

[Janann25]

I suppose, at the beginning!

I was diagnosed with PMR five and a half years ago, then four years ago I was diagnosed with COPD. Not sure whether there was any connection because I’d never had breathing problems previously. Anyway, back to the present time. A couple of weeks ago I developed a very nasty chest infection and was prescribed the antibiotic Doxycycline. This was the first time I’d had a chest infection since my COPD diagnosis and the first time I’d had this particular antibiotic. The antibiotic did the trick and my chest is now clear - but I just feel exhausted. I increased my Pred from four and a half mg to 10mg for the seven days I was on the antibiotic but have now reduced to four and a half again. I know that antibiotics can make you feel rough while you’re taking them but this is a total exhaustion and I’m wondering whether my four and a half mg dose could be too low now? Is there anyone who has had something similar or is there someone who could advise me as to the best thing to do.

Once again, sorry for the long preamble.

Jan

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think you are assuming your body has fully recovered just because the abx are finished - it can take a few weeks at least. I'd stick to sick day rules a bit longer.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi

Your increase sounds in line with sick day rules, so I would say you followed the correct procedure -but as PMRpro says maybe you do need a big longer

The fatigue could be related adrenals struggling more than usual due to the virus. If that’s the case then really it’s a matter of time. The problem if you do increase Pred, and it’s adrenal related rather than PMR it just extends the time it takes them to get functioning again.

Maybe give it a few days and see what happens -and also have a look at this about adrenals -if you haven’t already seen it -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Pixix]

I have lung problems & had chest infections for four winters, until advised to lockdown (as in Covid days) to avoid catching germs! I had Doxycycline, & other antibiotics, but it took six weeks to recover from the chest infection each time. Sorry if this sounds negative, but I think your body is still recovering & may take a couple more weeks. Taje care, S x

[Janann25 in reply to Pixix]

Thank you - I think you’re right!

[Pixix in reply to Janann25]

sorry if it was depressing, I didn’t really think that when I read it…just factual! But then I realised that christnas is coming soon, & you’re trying to be better for it (I had 3 Christmases ruined by chest infections)! I found it wasn’t something I could rush, & the breathing shortness was the last to go…staircases taking ten minutes to ‘climb’! But it will be better! S x

[Janann25 in reply to Pixix]

No apology needed - it is what it is 😉

[Staffieblue]

Hi Janann, and other members

Thank you for sharing this .

You have spurred me on to ask for advice

I was diagnosed in August with PMR after years of struggling and trying to cope .

I have had the flu , had my jabs flu and covid in October both together . No ill effects .

I’ve had flu , the past couple of weeks felt rough .

Feeling utterly exhausted to ,also have lost more time off work , that causes me stress as well .

I managed to speak and see one of our doctors on Friday .

I have antibiotics to take , for my throat and chest , apparently my throat was very inflamed no sore throat though , I thought it felt swollen Doc said it wasn’t .

Had a couple more nose bleeds , only light couple of tissues only .

Mentioned my steroids for PMR .

Acknowledged this and lowering my immunity

We have had covid and flu at the clinic were I work recently . Did covid test reg all clear .

I am down to 10 mg steroids for the past 2 weeks . have read about sick day rules , as I am aching more also scalp tenderness is back , but I have had that for years also get a bit worried when I see it mentioned for GCA , had my eyes recently tested again as my sight has gone down , it’s bad without my glasses well bit blurry but fine with glasses .

Have not followed sick day rules as I could not speak to my own Doc who has been advising me on my dose .

Feel unsure just to up it myself , even though my head knows you guys know your stuff .

Sorry always feel I’m whining on , I know that there are stoic people out there living with life limiting illness . Life is precious I never take that for granted , I know that too well .

Thank you all .