Anemia

[Colin-s]

Hi, recent blood tests have shown that I am slightly anaemic. I was diagnosed with PMR two years ago and my inflammatory makers are still slightly raised. I am on 2mg pred and feel I am doing ok, just a bit worried by the anemia. Has anyone else been told they are anemic and is it likely related to the PMR?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There is a form of anaemia that is called anaemia of chronic illness - common with inflammatory diseases, Are the markers much raised? Have they been lower? Do they go lower with more pred?

[Colin-s in reply to PMRpro]

Just slightly raised apparently. I would expect that though as I still have discomfort in my neck and shoulders. I don’t know how the markers change in relation to the amount of pred as this is the first blood test since diagnosis but my symptoms certainly come and go depending on the amount of pred so I expect markers do the same.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Colin-s]

The dose you NEED is the dose that gives you the same level of symptom relief as the starting dose did. And at the end of any taper step you shouldn't feel worse than at the start. Markers may or may not follow symptoms - but symptoms always trump blood results.

[Colin-s in reply to PMRpro]

My starting dose was brilliant and made me feel like I was 21 again! However, my GP was initially very aggressive with the tapering and I have never been entirely symptom free since those first magical days.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Colin-s]

That does tend to happen - once a doctor allows a patient to develop a flare by over-zealous reduction of the dose as opposed to tapering carefully as a downwards titration it becomes harder to reduce the dose without problems. They are terrified of pred - and create problems rather than avoiding them

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Colin-s]

Well that’s not a lot of good…being symptom free is the name [and aim] of the game….unfortunately some doctors just create problems by being too aggressive with tapering - and viewing Pred as evil.…..

[Body_bonkers in reply to Colin-s]

I’m in the similar position - GP’s should not be managing this

[anutycrixp]

yes,I was very anaemic,blood test triggered gastroscope and colonoscopy to check for any internal bleeding to account for anaemia. After all this( negative results) P.M.R was diagnosed and started on prednisolone.Gp advised not to take iron as this was type of anemia associated with chronic inflammatory disease and would improve with treatment of the illness ,taking iron would not be a good thing!Anaemia subsequently improved as did P.M.R eventually.

[Karendeena]

Just been told my platelets are low, could be from Famotidine I take to protect the stomach while taking prednisolone