dose increase for possible Covid?

[CathyMeg]

After nearly five years and several flares of GCA am finally down to 5mgs for the last two weeks. Now think I have Covid. Last two tests were negative but friend I was with only got a positive on the third day.

should I already up my Pred? Feel washed out and slight pain in temples now. Maybe just rest? Hate the thought of going back to 10mgs. What should I do???

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Maybe have a look at the SDR - which at your dose suggests raising to 10mg for 5-7 days and then back to current dose - really depends how unwell you feel.

medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/...

endocrinology.org/media/416...

[CathyMeg in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Was not Covid but a very bad chest infection with persistent chesty cough. I have taken 8mgs Pred now for 6 days plus was in bed for four days. Feeling a lot better and up and about but still coughing Should I go back to maybe 5.5 mgs now ? Don’t want to yo-yo.

Have an appointment with GP tomorrow but is new GP since we moved house and don’t k ow if he has any knowledge of GCA.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to CathyMeg]

Probably sensible to try 5.5mg rather than 5mg. Have you had antibiotics?

[CathyMeg in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Yes had only been in 5mgs for a week so will go back to 5.5. Perhaps wait till I have seen GP tomorrow. Haven’t had antibiotics yet. Would that change things with the Pred ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to CathyMeg]

Sensible to see GP first - ABX shouldn’t make any difference to Pred dose, was thinking more of clearing chest infection.

Hope you feel better soon.

[CathyMeg in reply to DorsetLady]

thanks again. Am going to start the old inhalations. Feel is improving but keen to get back to lower dose.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

SDRs are usually suggested for if you feel ill enough to stay in bed or be on antibiotics - to be honest, if you only think it might be Covid, I personally wouldn't add more at present, see how it goes. If you feel worse as time goes on, then use them, but the later you add them, the shorter the time you will be at 10mg for. Start with lots of rest and TLC and regular paracetamol. I'm assuming you are up to date on jabs?

[CathyMeg in reply to PMRpro]

Just replied to DL and thank you