steroids and diuretics

[RT18]

we may need to discuss some diuretics with the GP. Mum is currently receiving some respite care and her legs are becoming swollen….they’re not as good as insisting on the elevation as I do at home.

I notice there’s a bit of a flag with prednisolone and furosemide due to potassium issues.

Has anyone experience of taking steroids and a water pill? I want to be prepared for any GP discussion….

Thanks

[piglette]

I was told that water pills should not be taken with steroids by my GP.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is OK to use pred and a diuretic together PROVIDING they check electrolytes regularly - that is a blood test for sodium, potassium and a few other things.

As well as her not being so consistent with having the feet up - is the diet any different from what you feed her? Do you use salt in cooking? I bet their kitchen does. I only need a couple of meals from a commercial kitchen and my feet are up like footballs!

[RT18]

ah salt ……I NEVER use salt……so that could be contributing too! I’m spending the evenings with her watching TV and leaving feet well elevated at night which is helping but I know they want GP input……I’m generally one for avoid adding in more meds than necessary……bless her the nurse then said to me…well pred causes swollen feet…maybe her pred can be reduced 😱😱😱 ……I just replied that’s a discussion for another day 🙈🙈 on my list to discuss keeping a dose of 10mg now for her until she’s bedbound when they can do what they like…

Hey ho….it’s complicated!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to RT18]

My swollen feet (when they are swollen) aren't due to pred ... But hey - why pass up the opportunity to blame an essential medication and pass the buck!

[RT18]

blame it all on the pred…..that’s what I say …..swollen feet, any weight gain, needing more food, feeling a little cranky/tired/anxious …….needs to be some positives 🤣🤣🤣

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to RT18]

All of which I had with PMR on its own in the first 5 years before I was offered pred!

[Zareda]

I took a diuretic the entire four years I was on steroids. They felt it was necessary to control bp since steroids can raise your bp. I also had generalized swelling from the inflammation of PMR. My potassium levels were monitored and I had no issues. Everyone responds differently to meds so my experience may not be the same as others.

[RT18 in reply to Zareda]

Thank you Zareda, that’s good to hear the treatment was fine for you. Was it regular blood tests to monitor your potassium level?

[Zareda in reply to RT18]

Basic electrolytes like sodium & postassium