breathless

[Jakey67]

Hi, I was diagnosed in May of this year and currently taking 10 mg of prednisolone and diclofenac x3. (+ other meds for unrelated conditions) is PMR or these meds associated with breathlessness? Thanks .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred can be associated with breathlessness.

But more concerning is that your taking diclofenac and breathlessness is a red flag symptom for seeking immediate medical advice when taking it. Diclofenac can cause heart failure - and breathlessness and swollen ankles are typical signs. Please contact your GP and tell the receptionist this is an emergency.

[Jakey67 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I’m seeing GP for a routine appointment this afternoon (at my request) our surgery will not see you in emergency/life threatening they direct to A&E … see what happens this afternoon.

Do most people with PMR take Diclofenac? Should I seek to stop it under medical supervision is there an alternative I should ask for?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jakey67]

Almost no-one with PMR takes Diclofenac because it simply doesn't work for PMR in most cases. As I said to you last time you posted, if Diclofenac works for your pain, it is extremely unlikely to be due to PMR and your doctor should be putting their thinking cap on and looking at alternative diagnoses. In addition, NSAIDs like diclofenac and ibuprofen should not be used long term alongside pred - the likelihood of gastric irritation is increased markedly. and any GP who isn't aware of that needs some CPE modules on the fact!

You can require emergency advice without it being a candidate for the ED - and I'm sure ED staff would be the first to point that out. On the other hand - they'd love to send all the candidates with flu who are cluttering up the ED to the practice!!!

[Jakey67 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. The GP was helpful. Given a) GP said I can take or not take Diclofenac depending on how I feel and b) what you say about it in your helpful response and c) it’s bad press generally I’ll will drop down off it and see if it makes any difference. I’m hoping the response will be minimal supporting the current diagnosis. Going down various roots to check out breathlessness and palpitations. Quite helpful as first time I’ve seen G P since being diagnosed in May.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jakey67]

About blooming time too. It really isn't good enough.

[Hopelessatbest]

i have shortness of breath (without exertion) since taking prednisolone which has not improved even though I am now down to 2 mg over a 20 month period. Privately I have had ECG, Echo and two CT scans in case of a heart issue as a long NHS waiting list. The heart is not the cause. It is still undiagnosed so I can only suspect the steroids.

[Karenjaninaz in reply to Hopelessatbest]

Long-term prednisone causes muscular weakness. That includes weakness of the respiratory muscles. All this to a general condition of being unfit itself will cause breathlessness.. if your doctors have ruled out other conditions like heart, lung and anemia seems your best course of action would to get fit by getting exercise. Starting really slowly to be safe.

[Hopelessatbest in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Thank you for your reply. I already do exercise. Although I have OA I walk every day and have done several yoga classes a week for over 30 years. My physiotherapist says that physically I am very strong.

[Karenjaninaz]

Tthat’s great!