Chronic Fatigue with PMR

[Mariemcdo]

Could anybody please clarify is it the inflammation related to PMR or is it the Steroids (Preds) that cause this very debilitating fatigue and brain fog?

Thanking you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Most chronic illness create fatigue, but it can also be a side effect of Pred.

This is an article written long time ago about fatigue and LUPUS -

lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

.. and this written post Covid -

wiltshirehealthandcare.nhs....

Also when you are on low doses of Pred, it can also be a sign of adrenal insufficiency...when adrenals are struggling

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Short answer: yes. Either, both, and on top of that the underlying autoimmune disorder that creates the inflammation is still there attacking your body in the background and making your body react as if it has flu.

[piglette]

As a third possibility it can be your adrenal glands complaining that they have to start working again. This is when you get down to around 7mg of pred.

[Bramble2000]

I believe my exhaustion is directly related to the inflammation in my body due to PMR and Ankylosing Spondylitis. For me, the steroids made it pretty much impossible to sleep and gave me what I call “startled bunny syndrome “. X

[AshPen9]

My rheumy said that due to your immune system thinking that your body is the enemy, it's on red alert 24/7 and this is what causes the fatigue.

[AtopicGuy]

Corticosteroids are hormones that play multiple roles in regulating normal bodily functions. So there are many routes by which taking artificial ones can cause side effects, including unwarranted fatigue.