Does this sound like adrenals?

[Saffron23]

Hello all

I reduced from 9mg to 8.5mg pred 4 weeks ago.

For the last 2 weeks I have been exhausted with some stiffness, back collarbone, arms, hips, hands.

Then yesterday evening/ this morning I have been sick and the worst upset tum ever. Along with pain in my back and stomach.

I am off to the doctor this morning as I feel really under par, tummy pain is less but am achey.

Another issue are a rogue gallstone, yes just one which doesn’t give me much of a problem.

I think my estrogen is rock bottom and fibromyalgia has also been written in my notes.

I have read that adrenal issues can cause an upset tum, exhaustion..

The last time I got to 8mg (Christmas last year) I had to go back up to 12.5mg. As I was exhausted again and experiencing some pain.

I wonder if I should follow the sick day rules?

Thanks as always for your invaluable advice, Sarah 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

some issues do sound “adrenaly”, but would say you have others things going on as well.

Looking at previous posts you seem to struggle more than expected - and if you are having problems at similar doses think you need to discuss whole situation with doctor.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with DL - time for a detailed discussion with the doctor, Some people really struggle at this sort of level with both adrenal and PMR type issues.

I'd suspect you are on the borderline as far as PMR is concerned and you would be better at 9mg for now - 1/2mg can make a big difference! As for the gastric effects - a few people have complained of similar symptoms recently - very easy to pick up such bugs.

[Saffron23 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro & DorsetLady

Doctor thinks that this episode was possibly a bug or diverticulitis. But because I am dealing with PMR too that’s why it’s hit me rather hard.

Back in bed, something I never do during the day!

Doctor doesn’t think that the 8.5mg would be adrenal but I did explain and they agreed I am clearly sensitive around that dose. So maybe just going up to 9mg would be a good idea? Would you do that just for a couple of weeks and the drop back down again?

Best & thanks😊🌸

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Saffron23]

Doctor could be wrong about adrenals -it does vary from person to person -anywhere between 10mg (sometimes higher) and 5mg -the 7.5mg figure we quote is an average not an absolute !

If it’s is PMR then 9mg may be enough (won’t know until you try) -but not too much to scupper adrenals.

After that I would be taking tapering really slowly - no point in trying to push too hard .

Many find a particular dose is a sticking point for a while, so accept that ( persuading doctors may be a tad more difficult) - you will get past it in time.

Hope you soon feel better -plenty of TLC . rest and keep hydrated

[Saffron23 in reply to DorsetLady]

I will try 9 tomorrow and go very very steady.

Just got up and had a walk up the garden path on this sunny day..but have soon headed back to the land of comfort!

Thank you for being so lovely 🌸

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Saffron23]

Get well soon!