PMR Flare problems

[bde987]

Hi there, l am in the middle of my first flare and its been pretty tough going. I upped my Prednisalone. Following the flare protocol and upped my dosage by 5mgs which has helped a bit but not fully. I have over the past couple of days been getting pain in my back and it feels the same as when l have had a kidney infection in the past, but not sure if it's just muscular or not, but the pain comes in waves. I'm not sure if this is a typical symptom when having a flare or if l am experiencing something else along side the flare. Are any of you able to enlighten me please.? I am also dealing with a fair amount of stress just now as a close family member is severly ill and the outlook isn't good. I wont trouble you with the details of all that. l am managing to stay strong and coping emotionally but l did wonder if the stress was showing itself physically instead hence the flare .

Just very grateful for safe space to ask questions that you may have heard many times before in other posts.

[SnazzyD]

Pain coming in waves where you had pain before with a kidney infection needs a medical opinion I think. You may be having a flare as well, but increasing Pred when there might be an infection isn’t ideal. You need to see the wood for the trees and possibly have antibiotic cover (if it is that) as well as an increase in Pred. You could try 111 as it is the weekend.

[Whippetygirl in reply to SnazzyD]

The pain from kidney stones comes in waves just like contractions when in labour so keep your eye on it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

How long have you been on the increased dose? You can remain at that for up to 14 days, so I’d take full advantage of that.

Have to say your pain does sound like a kidney infection - can still remember what that feels like albeit many years ago. Would say it’s not associated with flare as such. You may need antibiotics, but you certainly do need medical advice on this.

Yes, stress will most likely have caused flare- so another good reason not to drop back to previous dose, but just above it particularly as it seems you are likely to be under stress for some time.

[bde987 in reply to DorsetLady]

Have been on the increased dose for four days now. ( was on 7mgs now on 12) Still having shoulder and neck pain but it has started improving on the higher dose. There has been some improvement too in the increased level of tiredness but still feeling a bit queezy and light headed in the evening as l just feel exhausted. Don't feel like eating meals at the moment, just snacking.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to bde987]

Good to hear things are improving slightly- but if the kidney issue remain you do need medical input.

You have a lot of things going on, but you do have to care for yourself as well..

[SnazzyD in reply to bde987]

A kidney infection could give you those symptoms too.

[bde987 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks Snazzy D l will be phoning the surgery for a same day appt on Monday if this doesn't resolve. Thank you

[bde987]

If l am still having pain on Monday, l will book a same day appointment with my gp. Thank you Dorset Lady

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to bde987]

Have sent you a chat message.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with Snazzy, and yes, the stress of a family member being ill can lead to all sorts of adverse effects. While caring for my husband towards the end of his life I was back up to 15mg and more to function.

Don't feel you MUST "be strong", having a weep or a rant to someone - even here - will release some of the tension. There is always Chat to one of us if you don't want to go public. A few of us have been there and know what it is like, it can be very hard,

And snacking is one thing - but make sure it is high quality snacking with protein and fruit and veggies - eggs, crudites with good dips, cheese and cold meats in the fridge are all helpful.