not sure what is happening

[Crochetgardener]

hello ,had PMR for just over three years and finally to 1 mg. Have asthma ( well maintained) and migraine,( sumatriptan). All seems to be well and so I wanted to drop to .5.My cortisol has been low so asked for a test to see if I could reduce to half a mg. Very difficult to get an appt till end of October. So, about two weeks ago after a walk and a coffee, I suddenly vomited and since then am feeling a soreness around my sternum going through to the back and an awful fatigue ,started taking lansoprozole , having had a break if around a year. I read to give up coffee, tea. Etc. Had more bouts of sudden vomiting, permanent headache and just feeling rubbish. I just wish I knew what it was. Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Apart from the sternum pain sounds very much as if adrenals are struggling. I’d be inclined to up Pred to 3mg and see if that helps. Try a couple of weeks -and then down to 2mg and stay there giving adrenals a chance to catch up.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

But if you feel really unwell then ring 999 and explain you are concerned you may be suffering from an adrenal crisis. Hopefully won’t be necessary.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Nausea and vomiting and fatigue are all symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and when it gets to the nausea and vomiting stage I would be concerned you are at risk of an adrenal crisis.

At the very least you need an emergency GP appointment - never mind the end of October, that isn't acceptable - and if you continue to feel really unwell then call 999 and say you are a long term pred user on a reducing dose and are concerned about an adrenal crisis looming.

[SnazzyD]

The pain doesn’t sound very adrenal insufficiency to me. You may have a bug because of the headache and feeling rubbish. Or there might have been some silent, until now, gastric changes. Or both.

You say all was well on 1mg so how long ago was your low cortisol test? It might be worth doing sick day rules or taking a couple of extra mg while you are acutely unwell. If you are getting worse, have any blood in the vomit or are no better by the end of today I’d get medical advice on 111. If you can’t keep your Pred down that is time to call also.

[Crochetgardener]

thank you everyone for your answers. I did end up at the hospital where they ruled out heart attack and did loads of tests. Finally after a reading of 112 cortisol I have upped my steroid to 2mg but it is taking a long time to settle. For anyone who has never experienced it , please listen to your body and don’t just ignore it as I did. Thanks again everyone

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Crochetgardener]

Maybe a bit more Pred then - to 3mg as I suggested earlier in thread… Hope you soon begin to feel better.