STILL ON THE BED...MOSTLY..10TH WEEK

[Missus835]

As some are aware, my back issues have been ongoing, but yesterday morning I woke with what feels like a cracked rib. Left side, bottom rib, tenderest spot being about 3 inches to left of the clavicle. Extremely painful. This rib was broken many years ago. Could also be as spasmed muscle, as it reaches round toward my back. Yet another trip to ER? Also have developed a nasty, smelly sore in right groin area where my flappy skin folds over. Also a couple of pussie pimples there as well. I know it's from trapped moisture. Just found this last evening while talking with daughter about buying some cornstarch for this very reason. Possible trip to ER? In the area where it is, I cannot see it well. Also, some rectal bleeding. Tylenol 3 has constipated me. Of course, we heal less quickly, skin is thin, and all the good stuff that goes with Prednisone.

UPDATE: Still no date for vertebral plasties. Still no date for cataracts, still no date for zolendronic infusion (they have not received a req from my Rheumy after a month). Will bother them again today.

Also have cold like symptoms (like allergy but not). At 16 mg. Pred and thinking of going up a bit to see if it helps the rib pain and other issues. Just reduced from 17.5 mg on Monday gone by.

It seems like one step forward, two back.

The pic is of the main part of the sore with my hand holding the flappy skin back.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would say that is infected thrush - needs a triple cream of cortisone, antifungal and antibiotic. Though where you will get that is another question! Pharmacies do have dual ones I think ...

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

I was thinking so as well. Perhaps linked to the cracks in the corners of my lips. Intertrigo maybe?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missus835]

Cracks there can also be thrush

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal....

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

Went to ER. Rib has no obvious break, although diagnostic imaging will call me if need be. Doc says yeast infection, does not look infected. Rx for Canesten, which is clotrimazole, an anti-fungal. Also Zinc ointment for moisture barrier. No antibiotics yet. Thanks for your quick response PMRPro. We shall see...

[Carver63]

I feel for you in your fight. For me there was good news with the battle of against TA. 16 months clear of Prednisone and Actemra, no flares that felt like TA but i have developed a chronic headache in the area of the TA artery. Not really overly painful but enough to ruin my sleep and daily events. I still have skin issues (tender bruising and easy cuts). I feel lucky hearing about the fight you and others face while still being on the drug. I fought the impacts of Prednisone and I had to have a little pain to get off the drug. Once off, I have improved dramatically and would always promote attempts to reduce the drug consumption. Once my body started to feel non drugged it was able to contain the TA. So far so good. I hope your batttle has success, don't let the drug control your life. cheers