? increase Pred

[Bubble56]

I have just come back from skiing, which I only did for a couple of days we were away and didn't over do it at all. I feel sore all over, bilaterally and pain killers don't make a difference so I am assuming it is polymyalgia. I am exhausted too and just had a row with my daughter over babysitting ( we get on extremely well and that is a rare occurrance) No one in my family seems to understand what this illness feels like!! I have had it since October 2019 and was tapering to 3.5 mg by DSNS method. I have just taken 2.5 mg extra hoping that will help.

I just need reassurance that I am doing the right thing or advice on what I should be doing medication wise.

Yet again thank you for any advice, what we do without everyone's support????

[SheffieldJane]

you have just given the perfect recipe for a flare. The skiing plus travel, different beds, social aspects are probably far more strenuous than you imagine. I couldn’t strap on skis to heavy boots and glide down a nursery slope without a general physical protest.

Then there is the row with your beloved daughter, over BABYSITTING! That is about the most painful emotional upset you can have over the most emotive subject. As for getting the family to understand that their rock cannot be 100% there - forget it. Of course your adrenal system cannot yet rise to the occasion, thereby making everything worse.

I do empathise - I have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.

I would see your doctor about having your adrenal function tested and take medical advice about raising your Pred dose a bit more. This will pass. X

[Bubble56 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have cried all morning because I couldn’t understand what was going on and you have very succinctly hit the nail on the head. Sometimes I just wants to prove to myself I’m not just being pathetic but it’s not giving in it’s just taking care of yourself! Do I need to increase steroid level…… yet AGAIN?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bubble56]

This link contains usual advice to deal with a flare, which it undoubtedly is - so yes I would say you may need a bit more to bring it up to the 5mg quoted. You may be lucky with the smaller increase, but why take the risk?

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Plus as SheffieldJane sats your adrenals may not be helping with the weeping etc, all quite normal when they are stuttering a bit - this gives more info -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Bubble56 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the very helpful links. I don’t have any of the adrenal insufficiency symptoms, only the weeping and anxiety but I may add I’m bipolar so that probably explains that!!!! I will follow the advice kindly sent. Many thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bubble56]

Anxiety is certainly not helped by adrenals struggling even if you don’t have any other symptoms…. and as it’s already a factor in your life (my niece is bipolar) that’s not helping.

Hope you soon feel better

[Bubble56 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

But how did you ski? Did you start with a few short runs and stop very early? Or - which would be the normal expectation - did you ski like mad all day to get your money's worth on the ticket?

I skied with PMR, but I lived at the bottom of the slopes! At the start of the season I had to start with an hour or so twice a week, by Christmas I was up to 3 times a week and in January graduated to longer sessions and 3 times a week. If I didn't, I had awful DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and it took a very long time to go away, like weeks.

If it is DOMS, I doubt pred will help - it is just the muscle reacting to exercise it is unused too and you have to wait for it to heal - training of muscles is the result of the fibres developing tiny tears and when they heal the muscle is stronger. Painkillers might actually help here. If it is a flare you might need a few days of 5mg more than usual, 2.5mg isn't much.

[Bubble56 in reply to PMRpro]

I actually only skied 3 half days out of 6 while my husband kept going like a Duracell Bunny!! My legs felt very weak when it was snowing heavily so i just stopped. I really did not overdo it at all. I took an extra 4mg of pred and went to bed for 2 hours this afternoon and definitely feel a bit better. I have an appointment with my GP on Monday, I must say where we live we are very lucky to have understanding doctors than we can consult easily. I suppose time will tell whether it is DOMS or a flare. 🤞🤞not a flare. Thank you so much for your invaluable help.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bubble56]

"I really did not overdo it at all"

Have you been skiing before since your PMR started? What we can manage with PMR is very different to what we could manage before.

[Bubble56 in reply to PMRpro]

I’ve skied for 45 years but only for half a day post diagnosis and that was the year Covid appeared! I cycle 30 miles without any difficulty but it’s much lower impact exercise. I have probably pushed myself too hard! Lesson learned!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bubble56]

Different muscles too. I'd been skiing for years too - it all changed after PMR came to stay.

[Ruins67]

Having learnt to ski in my early 50s. I felt incredibly sore then and knackered. That was without PMR. I am now down to 3MG. Was on 2MG before Christmas, but had a flareup after stomach flu. I double dosed to 4MG and have now tapered as I say down to 3MG. I’ve been taking B12 now for 2 to 3 weeks and it’s having a marvellous effect for me. I actually have energy and I’m not falling asleep in the afternoon or constantly lying down when I get back at midday. I’m able to start doing jobs around the house.

I think you’ve really overdone it to be honest, give yourself a break. Up your preds if necessary and give them enough time to take effect. They discuss with your doctor if you are able to, to decide how you intend to reduce it to. Be kind to yourself. I agree with you nobody has any idea what this illness is like. Wishing you all the best.

[Bubble56 in reply to Ruins67]

I am sure you are right about overdoing it but sometimes it’s easy to think you are “ ok”. I’m definitely resting more for a while. Thank you for your good wishes and they are reciprocated.