Steroids

[TedTheMaineCoon]

Hi

I have PMR ( diagnosed in April this year ) My rheumatologist gave me a steroid injection 3 weeks ago in shoulder for pain ( she was reluctant for me to go back on oral preds because I’m diabetic type 2 ) Anyway the steroids reduced the pain for a short while . Then it was agony ! Finally spoke to a Gp today , as I wanted to know if okay to go back on preds , couldn’t stand the pain any more !

She said it was fine , 15mg a day and phone back in 2 weeks .

My question is , do I wait til the morning to take them ? As I’ve heard this is the best time or can I take them this evening ?

Also my rheumy is questioning whether it is PmR , although 2 Gp’s say it is . I’m awaiting results from blood tests, X-rays and a DEXA scan .

Thank you

Kind Regards from Lesley

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The ideal time is 2am - improves the morning no end! The reason for the morning dosing is that that reduces the likelihood of the pred interfering with your sleep. The inflammatory substances are shed in the body about 4am, taking pred at 2am means it is ready and waiting for the inflamamtion and it never gets hold - no symptoms in the morning. The later after 4am you take the pred, the less work it has to do and the sooner the symptoms improve,

When you take it now is up to you, but in the long term you need to choose a time you can maintain to take it regularly. I'm on my way to bed - will explain more tomorrow if you need it,

Talk to Koalajane about Type 2 diabetes and being on pred - she reversed hers by cutting carbs. Type 2 and pred needn't be mutally exclusive.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you very much . Really appreciate your reply .