Stress, thrush, flare

[Blackcatlover]

Dear people I really need your help. My husband of 55 years has just been diagnosed with stage three cancer. I’ve been a mess. We are going to Mass General Cancer Center and after many tests we have two appointments next week to make final decisions. My blood pressure is up. I have thrush and I’m in the middle of a tough flare. I have been on 4mg of prednisone and yesterday added another 5mg to make 9 mg. I will do this for the next eight days. I have been off my Actemra injections for six months. I was injecting once a month. My question- should I start Actemra injections again? My rheumatologist told me to keep my extras in case I need them.He is away for the next two weeks so I can’t contact him and to be honest I trust everyone on this site more than my doctor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.❤️

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

So sorry to hear about your husband.... more than a few of us have been in same scenario , and we know it's not easy.

I don't have any experience of Actemra/TCZ so can't offer advice on that...others will, but do hope that the extra Pred manages to get your flare back under control, and assuming it does then when you reduce maybe try 6mg rather than 5mg., and stay there as long as you wish. Your body will need all the help it can get at this very difficult time for both of you.

You can get treatment for thrush, and please speak to your doctor re your BP, it's no wonder it's higher but hopefully will settle once you have a way forward planned out for your husband.

Sending you virtual hugs and best wishes, and you know where we are when you need to offload.... as you will. 🌸

[Blackcatlover in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks so much. Support and kindness really helps.❤️

[JanetRosslyn]

Sorry I can't offer any advice but want to send a big hug x

[peggy1920 in reply to JanetRosslyn]

same here, hugs and solidarity from over the ocean

[powerwalk]

Leaving the meds to the experts here, just to send a virtual hug to you. All good wishes 💐

[SheffieldJane]

I am sorry that you and your husband are facing such a challenging time. Sending my heartfelt wishes for the best outcome at every turn. Remember we are here for you. On the Actemra question, you must have stopped for good reasons. Don’t invite any more complications into your life. Get the thrush zapped, these are the straws that break the camel’s back.

I think the response to your flare and the agonising worry is spot on. Be strong, hugs.

[Blackcatlover in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks so much. I’ve been on Nystatin for three weeks without any change. My primary care doctor has doubled my blood pressure meds. I stopped the Actemra because my rheumatologist thought I might be in remission after almost seven years withPMR. I was doing well until hubby’s diagnosis. I have six actpens that he told me to keep if needed. I just wonder if this is that time.

[Seacat30 in reply to Blackcatlover]

I think that the prednisolone might be encouraging the thrush. I believe that it has that effect. I had a nasty attack when my GP put me on estrogen gel and 15mg prednisolone. First time in my life.

[SheffieldJane]

I stopped Actemra because of abdominal pain. If it suited you, it might get a hold of the flare. I am so sorry for this setback, you have done well.

[Blackcatlover in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks. Life has a way of throwing us a curveball when you least expect it. I’m trying to take slow walks, meditate and calm down. Next week will be tough but we can do this. I’ve had breast cancer and melanoma and managed to get thru surgeries and treatments. This just seems so much harder because it isn’t me but someone I love. He’s strong so we can do this! Thanks for you support. Think I will take the Actemra tomorrow. It’s always been my life saver.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Blackcatlover]

You are strong too. Hugs.

[Hunter134 in reply to Blackcatlover]

So sorry to hear about your husband.Hope he responds to treatment well.Ibhad thrush for over a month and it's still trying to come back.Ut can be stubborn.I had to take 3 bottles of nystatin

[Mewy]

Sending you hugs and healing thoughts. I don't have experience with the meds you mentioned. Please take care of yourself as you navigate your husband's health challenges.

[HeronNS]

I've never (touch wood) had to deal with thrush infection, but maybe because my diet actually follows the recommendation for helping heal from thrush: limiting sweet food and drink, and consuming foods like (plain) yoghurt. Apparently candida albicans thrives on sweet things. And fermented foods generally (of which yoghurt is only one) are good for balancing the microbiome. In your situation I think I'd avoid, not just limit, sweet foods until the infection has cleared up.

[Blackcatlover in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks. I’m not much of a sweet lover but love my glass of wine before bed. I really do eat healthy. My doctor said three things cause thrush- over 65, prednisone use and stress. I scored a home run!

[HeronNS in reply to Blackcatlover]

I have all those factors as well, although I very seldom have any alcohol these days. Sometimes a beer when visiting one of my sons, sometimes a glass of sherry. Maybe averaging once a month at most. But I eat unsweetened yoghurt, drink plain kefir every day, and often have other fermented foods.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blackcatlover]

Try getting yourself a really good probiotic - I use VSL#3 which is made in Italy, not cheap but very good and works. Are you sure it is thrush and no a look-alike?

[Blackcatlover in reply to PMRpro]

Both my dentist and primary doctor said it was thrush. I bought a really good( and expensive) probiotic that needs to be stored in the frig and is made for women with thrush. Guess I just need to give this more time.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blackcatlover]

It is never is a short term solution unfortunately, What sort of thrush and what sort of nystatin? I'd have thought a trial of ketoconazole might be on the cards - just in case you are in the world of resistant colonies now

thrushtreatmentcenter.com/o...

[Blackcatlover in reply to PMRpro]

My Nystatin is a prescription that says oral suspension. I’ve been using it for17 days without much improvement. I see my dentist next week. I’ll ask about the ketoconazole. Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I' so sorry. Of course your BP is up - and you need more pred for your adrenal function sake to deal with this next period of time. Been there, done that, I needed pred.

If the rheumy told you to keep the injections it wasn't for nothing - if it were me, I'd use them. And you can stop again without a problem,

[Blackcatlover in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I will give myself an injection later today, take a nap and do a meditation. Just getting support from you all really helps.

[Thelmarina in reply to Blackcatlover]

You’ve had so much to deal with and won through. You can do this. Your thrush will go, you and your husband will know what his therapy will be and you’ll know where you are, what you are facing together. It doesn’t take away the pain but stops the whirling about in your head bit. Big hug. ❤️

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear this, can’t give any practical advice, but my heart goes out to you and I send you a whopping virtual hug. ❤️

[singingloud]

My heart goes out to you. You are doing the best you can in a difficult time. The stress is real and you have a strong marriage. I’ll be remembering you and saying a prayer for wisdom and compassion from the physicians.❤️

[Blackcatlover in reply to singingloud]

That means a lot!❤️

[2013mayo]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband, take care of yourself and your husband.

Sending you a big hug.

💐🌈

[Louisa1840]

More hugs from Australia to you......

[Grammy80]

I'm so sorry you are both going through this. I'm in Indiana, a transplant from Maine and have friends who have had great success with their treatment at Mass General~! One was a young 40ish man with stage 3 melanoma.....he's been cancer free for two years.🙏🏼💞

[nottowell]

I to get thrush or a uti every time i am stressed i find that the drinks for thrush help calm it down a lot

[Blackcatlover in reply to nottowell]

What kind of drinks?