Follow up to my last post re SDR

[IdasMum]

It's now almost 4 weeks since Mark's knee replacement. He's doing well after a small setback at the weekend. He saw our Dr a week ago to ask if he could drive. Dr told him to ask the physio. She tested him on a step, checking the force he could use on his knee and gave permission for him to drive.

This is a relief as my right (accelerator/gas) foot has been so painful, I've been limping for months.

I am awaiting an appt with a podiatrist.

After my previous post I increased my pred to 15mg from 10 for 4 days, reduced to +4mg for 2 days, then 3 for 2, then +1 for 1 by which time I'd run out of spares. I didn't want to stay at 15 for too long and struggle with the withdrawal. My blood test halfway through this regime reflected the higher dose, my CRP was 3 something, lower than it's ever been. I will need to explain this to my rheumy in 5 weeks time. At the Dr's I explained I'd upped my pred whilst he was taking my BP, he mumbled okay, 11mg...........nothing more was said, I didn't correct him!

On Monday I fell whilst preparing to bring in a trolley load of wood. Luckily I didn't break anything but I have a massive bruise on my left elbow and forearm. (I won't share a photo, not fair on the squeamish). Also some bruising to my left breast. I was winded and managed to roll onto my side and get myself off the floor, Mark was in bed. I had been carrying scissors! Really lucky that these were thrown across the floor as I went down.

I was in shock for a few hours. I did carry on and load up the trolley with wood and fetch it in though!

I've been to the dentist (had been putting it off for months) and had an extraction. Apart from the very painful injection into the roof of my mouth, the procedure couldn't have been simpler. The tooth had been ready for ages (7 months at least, I thought I'd lose it in Canada). I am so pleased to see the back of it, will get used to the cavity that is left whilst I wait for an appt in Jan after a thorough Xray to see what else needs to be done.

Weds evening I took an extra 5mg as I was struggling physically. I now feel like I have been hit by a small truck, probably withdrawal of the xtra 5mg.

I came here to update and to ask (I probably know the answer). Shall I do another SDR for my fall and consequences? Analgesia is not cutting it currently:

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well what a pickle!😳

I’d be trying the usual advice for a flare-see here - provided you have enough Pred -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..and Arnica for the bruising - gel or tablets [proving you can take them with any other meds you might be on] … and be careful where you put your feet in future 😊

[IdasMum in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. That's very helpful.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to IdasMum]

A fall can be enough to trigger a flare - sorry I'm late, travelling

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

On a camper van trip Pro?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

NOT with the current weather in the UK!!! I flew back for Graduation - for the first time ever. The mix of air connections, weather and not having my own wheels reminds me why I usually drive ...

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

Flying is becoming an increasingly miserable experience…as for the U.K. November weather, you’ll be so pleased to be back in Italy. Hope the graduation was wonderful.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

It was a tad disappointing - there was no reception after the actual graduation ceremony, Just a "goodbye to you all and we're always here for you". Except the impression created was that "we're done with you, naff off ..." For a class that weathered Covid from pretty well start to well over half way through I thought it was a bit poor. OH and I both had garden parties! Her first MSc in Cumbria was lovely she said and there was a small reception at the end so there was the opportunity to speak to classmates and lecturers.

The flying wasn't too bad if a bit nerve-wracking with a short connection at Frankfurt and the first plane was late!!! However - airport assistance was excellent and the guy sitting next to me delightful company! Had an unguided bus tour around half of Frankfurt airport!

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

That’s a poor show re the graduation, especially after Covid, quite a disappointment. Glad to hear airport assistance is as good as ever. I found it a revelation the first time I booked it. We were driven directly to Passport control at Faro and had a private security section just for those on assistance. Takes some of the stress away.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

It's the jumping the standing in queues that I like!!!

[IdasMum in reply to PMRpro]

We had the same bus tour as we returned from Canada back in May. So bloody annoying to be taken to arrivals when we wanted departures! Airport assistance (once they'd agreed we'd booked it) was efficient but OMG, so many small lifts and corridors. Enjoy being home.