Remission: it is now well over 2 years since last... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Remission

Ranchero profile image
16 Replies

it is now well over 2 years since last I posted and I’m feeling a bit guilty about not being in touch. My symptoms finally disappeared over 2 years ago but I continue to take 1mg prednisolone per day. It’s my insurance policy! 😊.

I have a question: having been on pred from 2018 - 2022 what’s the verdict on now stopping taking the bone formula I was on?

I send my kindest regards to all forum members and particularly to our brilliant panel members.

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Ranchero profile image
Ranchero
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16 Replies
piglette profile image
piglette

Have you had your bone density checked? Even if you have, they recommend you only stay on the bone medication for maximum five years.

Ranchero profile image
Ranchero in reply to piglette

Piglette - I think I didn’t press reply when I answered your kind response to my recent post. I had a Dexa scan way back in 2018 or maybe 2019: there was some evidence of osteopenia. I am on nhs waiting list for another but I’m not too convinced of accuracy of these scans as it will be both a different machine and operator. I hadn’t heard about recommended time to stay on bone supplements.

piglette profile image
piglette in reply to Ranchero

I am always filling things in then forgetting to press GO!! I suppose a Dexascan does give you some feel as to your situation, although it may not be the gold standard which we would all like.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to Ranchero

Stay on nutritional supplements (as opposed to OP drugs) for the rest of your life. Also do your weightbearing exercise. It's age which affects our bones, whether we've ever taken pred or not. 😉

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Welcome back - and especially with such a good story!

What exactly do you mean by "bone formula"? Have you had a dexascan done since then?

Ranchero profile image
Ranchero in reply to PMRpro

Thank you PMRpro. Bone formula by a company of repute containing all the essential elements for bone health. See reply to piglet text for Dexa scan info. I hope you are in a good place at the moment.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Ranchero

No reason why not - I think DL stayed on her calcium/vit D after stopping pred on Dr's advice. It is the bisphosphonate-type drugs that shouldn't be taken forever, except denosumab/Prolia.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ranchero

As PMRpro has said, the report from DEXA scan in 2019 [3 years after finishing Pred] suggested I remain on VitD/Calcium supplements even though BMD [bone mineral density] values were good.

Still am on them with no issues.

Ranchero profile image
Ranchero in reply to DorsetLady

Nice to be in touch after all this time DL. I, too take vitD/Ca supplements and like you, no issues. PMRPro advised against biphosphonates. I haven’t and wouldn’t touch these with a 10 ft barge pole!

I hope you are in good spirits and health.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ranchero

Absolutely, thank you… although I did take AA during GCA years [family and personal history]. Whether they were really essential I will never known- but as I had no issue with them, it’s immaterial really.

Hope you’re good as well..😊

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Does bone formula refer to calcium supplement, or to an osteoporosis drug?

Ranchero profile image
Ranchero in reply to HeronNS

Thanks for response Heron: see my replies to piglet text and PMSpro

Italybound62 profile image
Italybound62

This is amazing! Congratulations! you are making me think that maybe I should resign myself to just stay on 1-2 mg because each time I try to go below 2mg, I flare. I should not be so greedy.

Ranchero profile image
Ranchero in reply to Italybound62

I think you are right to maintain a 2mg dosage. That dose is so low it won’t have a till effects. Good luck - and thanks for response.

LJhome profile image
LJhome

personally I would stop the Prednisalone (very gradually) to minimise any steroid side effects. There have been many posts on how to reduce gradually which is what I used when my symptoms had decreased after four years of PMR. Good luck.

Ranchero profile image
Ranchero in reply to LJhome

I did - very gradually - albeit after 2 flares because I was impatient. As they say - you live and learn! Thanks for your response.

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