Wooziness - what’s the cause?

[Thelmarina]

I’m a bit in the wars. I reduced to 6.5mgs, had a nast virus and chest infection, doubled dose while I was sick. I dropped to 10mgs after antibiotics finished and it was too steep a drop - got lightheaded and bleary eyed. Dorset Lady, Snazzy and Pro advised me to go back up to 12.5mgs, which I did. I’ve been on that dosage for 5 days and am still lightheaded. It’s unpleasant.

So further input on the possible cause and what I should do next would be most gratefully received. Common side effect? Adrenals playing up? My PMR symptoms are pretty good so should I start the next slow taper or continue to be patient? It’s like doing a puzzle isn’t it. I could go to a GP but I’m not sure what they could do or suggest.

Thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

For a start they could check out there isn't anything else going on! It is all too easy to blame PMR and pred for everything and it isn't always! Could be a BP problem, ears, all sorts of things. Your virus may have left its mark. Or even the abx.

[Thelmarina in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks xx

[SnazzyD]

You now know that increasing the dose didn’t work so that helps with solving the puzzle. The GP should try to do what the can now.

[Thelmarina]

Yes, you’ve both given me the push I needed to get to a GP. Sent in the online form, got rung up half an hour later and saw the GP an hour later. I know. Very lucky. She’s suggested sticking to 12.5mgs for another fortnight, then dropping to ten, then dropping 1mg at a time to get back to my original dose. Having a blood test and possible CT scan in a fortnight if things don’t sort. It is a puzzle but the care is there for which I’m very grateful. 😀

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Thelmarina]

Okay... let us know how things go please.. and good luck

[Thelmarina in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL. Will do. It’s an Agatha Christie moment! 😀

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Thelmarina]

As long as Poirot or Miss Marple are on the case you’ll be okay..😊

[Pixix]

I’m suffering with it at the moment, but on day 23 of Covid & still have slight symptoms, plus the end of a bout of vertigo. I agree, it’s disturbing my balance as well as my head…but I see a tendency here in ‘us patients’ to think everything is connected to PMR. I think one way to think is…if I didn’t have PmR what would I do now?’ If the answer is to go f see a Dr, then do just that!!

[Thelmarina]

That’s interesting. I did wonder if my illness was Covid - tested but the new variant wouldn’t show up. Good luck with your recovery and thank you for your sensible advice. 😀