sick day rules for labyrinthitis

[Mandyq]

Hi

Once again looking for a little guidance please. I’m currently on 8mg a day using DSNS method of tapering and ok so far.

However 3 weeks ago I got a really bad head cold which was followed by labyrinthitis. This resulted in appalling vertigo and sickness which confined me to my pit for 3 days. GP precscribed anti nausea tablets (which may have helped)

I now seem to be over the worst BUT I still feel dreadful. Absolutely exhausted, cold and shivery, and no appetite at all.

So my questions are:- should I have applied the sick day rules when I was hit by labyrinthitis - GP didn’t suggest this, even though she’s generally on the ball about my PMR and is it worth me applying the sick day rules now even though the vertigo and nausea have eased significantly.

TIA for any advice and as ever thanks for this wonderful site

Mandy Q

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[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Having had labyrinthitis many moon ago long before GCA you have my sympathies.

Would say you are suffering now is your adrenals really struggling to cope and not specifically labyrinthitis…as the worst seems to have passed.

So if that’s the case, not sure SDR after the event is appropriate..

I think maybe a return to 10mg for a least a week maybe two and then drop back down to 8mg or 8.5mg… and stay there for a month before you think about tapering again… might help the adrenals catch up.

As for after effects of labyrinthitis, you need to be aware you still need to be careful of your ahead position - I found if I forgot what I doing I’d get dizzy spells for a good 6 months… usually happened when I got out of the drivers seat and then dived into retrieve something from the back seat!

[Mandyq in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL - that’s really helpful. I’ll try 10 for a few days and hopefully things will improve.

You’re right about labyrinthitis - like the worst hangover ever, with none of the fun of the night before 🤣

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

I had it about 10 years years and I'm still prescribed Cinnazerine but only get it when needed but it all adds to the problems