Nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain

[sferios]

Hi everyone,

Do any of you experience these symptoms when tapering?

During my last flare (when I dropped from 6 mg to 5), I experienced a constant nausea-like feeling in my gut. It was mild and I never vomited, but it was there all day long. I also had uncomfortable bowel movements about 5-10 times per day with loose, diarrhea-like stool.

These symptoms started about two or three days after I dropped my dose, but because I didn't have any PMR symptoms, I did not suspect they were related to the taper. I thought it must be something totally unrelated, and I almost made an appointment with my primary care doctor.

But then a bit later I started feeling some of the normal PMR symptoms coming back, and I upped my dose to 8 mg. That was four days ago and I'm finally feeling better. No PMR symptoms and my gut feels fine again.

So now I'm thinking that the gut issues were related to the taper. Prednisone withdrawal perhaps? Do any of you experience it? And if so, how do you deal with it?

If it happens again the next time I taper, should I immediately go back up on my dose? Or is it something that you just have to endure?

Thank you.

[SnazzyD]

If it got better as soon as you upped your Pred, I would be suspicious of low adrenal function. Have a read of this from MrsNail’s FAQ’s as it is essential reading for anyone reducing below 8mg. So, yes it may well be Pred withdrawal but not in the sense that the word withdrawal suggests. Low adrenal function can cause flu-like aches and pains, nausea, abdominal pain amongst other symptoms. This is the link

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[sferios in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for the link Snazzy. After reading the articles, I actually think it is adrenal insufficiency. Yesterday when I posted this I thought the symptoms had gone away, but last night I started feeling the nausea again, and it's still here this morning. I've also been extremely irritable and depressed. I'm going to make another post right now, as I am scared of what I have to do.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to sferios]

Definitely adrenals struggling

[SnazzyD in reply to sferios]

Oh yes, the mood issues, I remember it well and that nothing in the tank feeling.

[Gimme in reply to SnazzyD]

That's how I think of it, nothing left in the tank, or like someone let all the air out of my tyres.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They are typical symptoms of poor adrenal function - and you are just entering tiger territory in that respect.

[jayemmemm]

I, too, am in the adrenal doldrums, trying to reduce from 6.5 to 6 mg Pred via DSNS. I have all the symptons you describe and I find the combined effect of nausea, CTS and total fatigue extremely debilitating. Fortunately I don't notice the bowel problems in the way that others might because I have lost a large section of my lower bowel to surgery for cancer. That of course brings major problems but I am able to get through them with the help of that wonderful lady called Tena. My biggest problem is trying to reduce weight and I'm heartily fed up with lettuce.

Hey ho: onwards and downwards!