Glaucoma, prednisolone and anxiety supplements

[Mumdadlove]

Good morning all

I am being treated for GCA and at the moment I’m on 20mg of of prednisilone, I am coping ok and trying to stay as healthy as possible, I already have glaucoma and sadly the steroids have pushed my eye pressure up, I saw my eye consultant yesterday, he is quite concerned, the operation for this he will not do until after I’m of of the steroids, he can perform a cateract op and put a stent in to drain the pressure, he wants this done urgently, I am going on a big family holiday in two weeks and he has agreed for me to go, he has prescribed Iopidine to go with my usual eye drops, these are a lot stronger with a lot more restrictions, I’m feeling quite anxious as obviously with the GCA I need the steroids or could go blind but with the glaucoma and high pressure(already have steroid induced optic nerve damage) I could also loose my sight, I just wondered if anyone else has experienced this scenario?

Also due to anxiety and flying I would normally take diazapan or ashwaghanda , both cannot be taken with prednisolone, it’s a big family holiday planned for over a year, so really want to enjoy it, also no alcohol with the new eye drops

I am seeing my Rheumatologist next Wednesday

Thank you for reading, this group is so helpful and informative

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Why can't you take diazepam with pred? Of course you should check with your doctor but it is a minor drug interation and probably more applicable to the use of diazepam for siezures since pred makes it less effective if anything,

Sorry I can't help with the other problem - not something I have ever come across.

[Mumdadlove in reply to PMRpro]

I asked my rheumatologist at my last appt, she said I would be better to have a glass of wine to relax, I asked my GP and she wouldn’t prescribe, she said that it could have a behaviour interaction

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Mumdadlove]

Go for a small glass of wine then 😊

.. I’m assuming you meant GP wouldn’t prescribe diazepam rather than wine..although that might work out cheaper in the long run !

[Mumdadlove in reply to DorsetLady]

It was my rheumatologist that said have wine instead, tried to be clever and had a call from GP but she wouldn’t prescribe diazapan, so only one thing for it go with the wine or better still a few gins, should hit the spot ha ha, thank you again

[Karenjaninaz in reply to PMRpro]

Pred decreases absorption of diazepam. Those on chronic benzodiazepines can go into withdrawal on pred. I dose diazepam takes 3 days to be fully excreted .Long half life.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Quite a few on here take meds for anxiety alongside Pred, so think you need to check that out with Rheumy....

As for glaucoma , sorry to hear about that, and yes higher doses of Pred will increase your pressures, but as you get lower they will improve, but your ophthalmologist seems to be on the ball, and if he is happy to perform the procedure after your holiday then that's a positive... as he doesn't think it needs doing yesterday.. so urgent, but not an emergency or he wouldn't condone you flying.

As for optic nerve, the damage has been done, unlikely for it to deteriorate any more now you are on the steroids [been there, got it].

Get your anxiety meds sorted, go on holiday, enjoy it, and get the rest sorted when you get home.

[Mumdadlove in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, yesterday was a bit of a shock, but positive head back on, had a call today and surgery has been booked for 18th April, couldn’t ask for more, so holiday, chill and relax and deal with the rest when I get back

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Mumdadlove]

Good!

[SheffieldJane]

This is so difficult. I am wondering about Tocilizumab thereby enabling you to reduce your Prednisalone dose at a faster rate. It worked for me. I agree with the others about the anxiety treatment.

[Mumdadlove in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you, I forgot to say I am on 20mg of Amytriptiline which I have been on for many years, I am seeing my rheumatologist next Wednesday so will run all by her

[SheffieldJane in reply to Mumdadlove]

Good luck! 🌸

[Mumdadlove in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you, just trying to keep positive👍

[Koalajane in reply to Mumdadlove]

have a lovely holiday and don’t even think about the eye surgery. There is so much that can be done for eyes now. I recently had a cataract op that had complications but this was quickly sorted and they are keeping a good eye on me as I am sure they will with you

[Mumdadlove in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you, the holiday has come at the right time, best wishes to you x

[Viveka]

Sorry to hear your situation. I presume you have already tried the lazer treatment for glaucoma. Very stressful but do your best to try not to worry about the travelling - it is always ok in the end. (This is the sort of advice I give myself though it is difficult to do...)

[Mumdadlove in reply to Viveka]

Thank you, I had laser treatment about 10 years ago but sadly didn’t make any difference, I have thick corneas apparantly, I am on the maximum drops but it was stable, steroids have just taken over, have got a great hosp team and am not having to wait too long for surgery, best wishes to you xx

[Viveka in reply to Mumdadlove]

Oh dear, it never rains ... But good that you have great help. Best wishes to you too!

[Missus835]

I've taken Clonazepam (.5 mg.) for over 20 years for generalized anxiety disorder. The problem I have is that no one wants to prescribe it. My Rheumy did send in a prescription for me after referring me to a Psychiatrist (from whom I never heard). I told her that should have happened when I was 14 years old...and now with GCA scare, etc. is not the time to wean, although at some point, it may be advisable. After she did so, my GP would no longer be my doctor, because he is dead set against it. He wanted me on an anti-depressant (probably SSRI).