I have been strugglng for a over couple of weeks with a sinus infection. My doctor prescribed antibiotics. Which seemed to have cleared up the infection. However one the symptoms of the sinus trouble, was fatigue. I still have the fatigue, and I don't know if its still the infection or a PMR flare?
I'm currently on 5mg of Pred a day, but living with this deadly fatigue everyday is killing me, I'm not sure what to do. If I were to increase the Pred, what does the team think the dosage from 5mg of Pred should be? Thank You..
Written by
Southmead
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
The fatigue is probably a result of the infection dragging on because you are also at a low dose of pred which isn't entirely covering the adrenal insufficiency that results from long term use of pred. Normally when you are ill the body normally produces a boost of cortisol which helps the body recover.
Did you increase your pred dose while you were ill - in line with what are called the Sick Day Rules?
I think that probably accounts for the protracted fatigue rather than it is a flare, It is a stage you have to plug through I fear - the only thing that encourages a return of adrenal function so it produces a top-up of the lower pred dose as you taper is a low level of pred in the body. If you increase the pred dose, yes you will feel better but you are going to have to go through the fatigue at some point.
There are good explanations in the FAQs, the link is just below your post at the top of the thread.
Would say adrenals struggling rather than PMR as such -partly due to dose of Pred plus the extra stress of trying to cope with virus -maybe have a look at this -
if you can cope, I’d be inclined to stay at 5mg and hope they catch up - many have been there and got through it, but we know it can be very unpleasant at the time.
I have had the deathly fatigue for so long now, I feel almost ashamed to tell people. I try to plough on regardless. I have joined a 24 week joint pain programme at my local gym. This has involved being taught how to use gym equipment and then the second day was circuit training, next week there will be mat work and Aquarobics. This is completely free and you can use anything in the gym for free including the pool. What has surprised me is the impact it has had on the deathly fatigue, I am definitely happier. I go home after the session and fall into a blissful sleep for around an hour, then I am good to go. It has somehow harnessed a lot more energy. I am sleeping better at night as well. It is making everything feel more manageable somehow. Like I have rejoined the human race. This is after around 8 years of PMR and then GCA/LVV. This is only week one (😂) but hope springs eternal. Everyone is our sort of age with something that is causing them significant pain.
Wow! Your gym sessions sound to be a lot more varied and adventurous than mine, which were all studio based. The only equipment we ever used was a set of weights 🏋️♀️ (I could manage only 500g in each hand!) and we never got down onto a mat! 🤣 I did use the pool, but in my own time. 🏊♀️
I hope you continue to gain real benefit from the programme. 🤞
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Taper failure :(
Slow Taper Calendar
Can't get 1mg prednisolone - trying to taper
