Is it tapering or adrenals?

[CoziNess]

I'm in hols at the moment, so probably have doing a bit too much! However, today I have shortness of breath doing the slightest thing, even sitting down, and feeling faint and wobbly. I'm a bit better now I've rested all day.Do you think I just need to up my steroids for a couple of days(I've been on 4.5mg Prednisolone for 2 weeks now after a very slow taper?

I have LVV and PMR and I also take 20mg Methotrexate weekly.)

Or if its the adrenal insufficiency should I just grit my teeth and struggle on? Anyone any ideas?

[SnazzyD]

Are you feeling better because you are doing nothing only for the breathlessness to come back if you get moving again?

Did you fly to your holiday? Where are you?

I’ve had a similar reaction (but not feeling breathless) after a long journey and then doing too much. I took an extra mg and did nothing for two days.

[CoziNess in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes, the breathlessness went after a few hours on the beach, lying down. I took things gently after that and it hasn't come back. I've had a bit of breathlessness before and rheumatologist told me to see my GP. They turned up nothing. And I've not just flown in as I've been here a week.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CoziNess]

Doesn't matter how long really, a week is about time to notice a clot somewhere which I suspect is the concern we both have and it can even be longer. The other concern is that MTX can cause nasty lung problems and that must always be borne in mind.

[CoziNess in reply to PMRpro]

I'm due to see rheumatologist when I get back. I imagine he will refer me to my GP who will do a chest xray and see nothing. Sorry for being negative, but when I had the gasping before he told me to buy a peak flow meter and practice with it. I'll have to press him for a hi-res CT lungs to show any fibrosis.At least I know this new breathing problem is nothing to do with the adrenals.

Thanks for your help. Xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The breathlessness concerns me - as Snazzy said, did you fly? I think you need to calm things down a bit, maybe try a bit more pred and see if it makes you feel better, but if the breathlessness persists, please seek medical advice because it isn't right.

[CoziNess in reply to PMRpro]

Will do and thanks so much for the advice. I was put on methotrexate when I had feelings of a 'heavy chest' with the odd gasping sessions 18 months ago. It got better after that, but this is a bit more intense. I'll increase from 4 5mg to 7mg for a few days.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CoziNess]

Do I understand you were put on MTX BECAUSE you had chest problems?

[CoziNess in reply to PMRpro]

No, because I had this 'heavy chest feeling, they sent me for a PET CT scan which turned up disease right down to my iliac arteries. I kept relapsing a lot too, so they put me on 15mg methotrexate, going up to 20mg after 10 months as it wasn't controlling it. I've been fine since then.... until now.