Wakey wakey

[Content1]

Sorry if this is a daft question, but how do you know if your adrenals are starting to do their job? I am reducing slowly and am currently on 4mg Prednisilone. I am really struggling with fatigue and breathlessness but apart from my arthritic knees, no more pain than expected. Because of recent blood tests and swollen leg, GP has requested an echocardiagram, which I have in 3 days. Any ideas? Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If they aren’t working to some degree you would feel really ill - but would say the fatigue is due to them struggling, it’s certainly a common effect. Not sure about the breathlessness, so that probably does need checking out.

Have a look at this re adrenals from the FAQs. They don’t just suddenly jump into action like flicking on a light switch….it takes time and a slow tapering of Pred which nudges them into working again. .

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What you describe is typical of them not keeping up with the pred reduction. If they ARE waking up then you don't really notice/feel the fatigue and poorliness that can be associated with it.

[Content1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. Should I increase again or just plod on with 4mg? I'm not sure how much of it is connected to the suspected heart failure.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Content1]

Plodding on at 4mg is more likely to encourage them to wake up than if you increase again. How advanced might the heart failure be? It doesn't mean it is severe when they diagnose it - it just means the heart isn't working as efficiently as it should be and often it isn't yet causing symptoms. Have you got tablets for it yet?

[Content1 in reply to PMRpro]

Not yet, echocardiogram on Friday. Had fluid retention and breathlessness. Blood test showed raised something, I've forgotten what, so GP requested scan. Will wait and see. Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Content1]

BNP? Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is a blood test that measures levels of a protein called BNP that is made by your heart and blood vessels. BNP levels are higher than normal when you have heart failure.

[Content1 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, that was it! Thanks. Apparently it was very high!! Let's see what happens on Friday, thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Content1]

Mine is high - often a sign of an arrythmia which you may not be aware of.

[Content1 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi, just to update you. The scan showed that I have a leaky mitral valve and that the main chamber of my heart isn't pumping properly. After phone calls and conversations. I have an appointment with a private cardiologist. The NHS waiting list is about 8-12 weeks .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Content1]

All the best and let us know how you get on.