Hello

[Sussexsindydoll]

Hello everyone I am newly diagnosed with PMR and trying to get used to the idea that I have it

Would welcome any tips on managing Prednisone side effects 😁

[SheffieldJane]

It would be useful if you provided more details of the side effects you are experiencing. eg. The weight gain , requires a very low carb diet from the outset and a programme of gentle exercise such as walking, a gentle gym programme, Tai Chi, Yoga, Aquarobics or similar.

[Sussexsindydoll in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hello Sheffield Jane Its digestive symptoms that I'm experiencing I started steroids in March 24 now on 12.5mg

No other side effects

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Sussexsindydoll]

Hi and welcome

Are you on a PPI -Omeprazole or similar -usually ending it “prazole” ? Do you take Pred as instructed with/after food -many put tablets in a spoonful of yogurt to help it down.

Also have a look at this for general info-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Sussexsindydoll in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset Lady Thanks so much the info link is really helpful

Yes on PPI Enteric coated and taking with food Yogurt idea a good one

[SheffieldJane in reply to Sussexsindydoll]

I have been diagnosed with Diverticulitis and a small hiatus hernia and have been on Pred for PMR for 4 years then a further 4 for GCA. I always took Pred with Greek- style yoghurt. I had been prescribed Omeprazole as a stomach protector but I didn’t want another medication with potential side effects. This may have been a mistake. I think Pred was and is a factor in my diagnosis but the real trigger was the Actemra that was prescribed for my subsequent GCA. My GP thinks I may also have IBS. I have now been prescribed Lansoprazole to take before my Pred dose and Buscopan for the acute symptoms. I have worked out the foods that are a trigger for my acute attacks and avoid them. If I adhere strictly to the above I can keep the symptoms at bay. My diagnosis was made after 2 Colonoscopies, an Endoscopy and a camera Endoscopy. Small portions of food help too, little and often. I occasionally take over the counter gentle constipation remedies. Good luck.

[Sussexsindydoll in reply to SheffieldJane]

So sorry to hear that you have had such a rough time Yogurt may be the way to go and watching what foods I am eating

[SheffieldJane in reply to Sussexsindydoll]

That sounds sensible. I have been on Pred for over 8 years and the final straw did seem to be the Actemra.

[123-go]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Which side effects have you heard of and which are you most concerned about? There are quite a few possible side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet that comes in your pack of prednisolone but please be assured that while some people may experience several of those others may have one or two and many none at all.

There is a wealth of information to be found in FAQs and specific questions will be answered or addressed by members here who have personal experience and or knowledge of what you are experiencing. In this respect, if you include the topic you want to discuss in the title of your post more people will react to your specific question, eg, “How to manage Prednisolone side effects”.

The following link explains the importance of writing and keeping up to date your personal profile to help anyone wanting to advise you or make suggestions or relate their own experience:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

There will be others along to welcome you- there may well have been while I’m typing but I’ll suggest tips here:

. Keep to a very low carbohydrate diet to avoid weight gain

. Cut out or limit red meat (oily fish is good for bone protection). Eat fresh veg especially broccoli and leafy greens (root veggies like carrots and parsnips are high carb so eat in moderation).

. Cook with good quality olive oil.

. Foods from the deli counter are a no-no (sausages, bacon, ham, salami….) as many contain artificial flavourings and colouring). Cakes and pastries contain a great deal of sugar which is highly inflammatory so try to cut out or have just an occasional treat.

There is more but you probably already feel overloaded.

One more thing- if your GP/rheumatologist wants you to take bone protection (alendronic acid) ask for a Dexa scan first. The results will show whether or not you actually need to add another medication: in many cases it is unneccessary.

Good luck!

[Sussexsindydoll in reply to 123-go]

Hello Thanks so much really helpful info at the moment digestive issues only

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome.

I assume you started the pred and the omeprazole at the same time? That is really a mistake since you cannot tell if the digestive problems you have are due to pred - usually heartburn types if they are going to happen and they are quite rare really - or to the omeprazole. Omeprazole has form for causing bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, just general gut unhappiness - which is a bit confusing as it is presented as protection for your digestive system!

So what exactly are you experiencing? Upper or lower GI tract effects? Both?

[Sussexsindydoll in reply to PMRpro]

Hi Yes I started both Pred and PPI at the time and both ends of GI Tract

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sussexsindydoll]

If it were me, I would try dropping the omeprazole for a week or two and see if that helps. If you find that taking the pred with food and yogurt isn't enough, you can get a different sort of stomach protection OTC, H2 antagonists, famotidine or cimetidine are examples, which work differently so if they have adverse effects they are usually different.

[Sussexsindydoll in reply to PMRpro]

Hi thanks for your advice have stopped omeprazole seeing if things get better

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sussexsindydoll]

Fingers crossed!!