I was doing quite well, slow but steady progress and down to 7mg prednisolone from 20mg two years ago. I was about to start my next taper to 6.5mg but six weeks ago I developed acute bronchitis, possible chest infection (verdict out on whether bacterial or viral) and then pleurisy.
The cough and pleuritic pain took a long time to improve but have now almost gone. However, I feel really unwell in myself. My muscles feel weak and wobbly, I feel shaky and unsteady and I am mentally foggy and physically exhausted.
I am wondering if I did not have the adrenal reserves to cope with this severe infection and should now increase my steroids to help me get over it. Should I treat as a flare or just increase the dose slightly? I do not have pain as such, just achy leg and back muscles.
I have had some better days when I have tried to have a short walk or do some very light exercise (stretches etc) but I end up paying for it later.
My thyroid levels were ok (not brilliant) prior to this and vitamin levels ok too. I would be be very grateful for any advice.
Written by
FleetRose
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Oh what bad luck - and it really can take it out of you. Were you confined to bed for any length of time? And did they give you antibiotics?
Post-viral - and post-bacterial - malaise can be very persistent and if you were in bed for more than a day or two then you are likely to have lost a lot of muscle mass and condition.
Years ago a youngish friend of mine - small children so at most late 30 or early 40s - had pneumonia and said it was 6 months before she said she felt really recovered. It is a sad truth that once you are over 50 you don't have the same resilience to illness and injury - however well you may feel before it hits.
I think you probably should have been told to use Sick Day Rules and up your pred dose while you were ill. I honestly don't know whether a retrospective application of SDRs would make a difference, I suppose you could try and find out if it helps you!
Thank you for replying so promptly PMRpro. I was given Amoxycillin 250 mg for one week, then Amoxicillin 500mg for one week, then Clarithromycin 500mg which I had to stop after 3 days as I had severe side effects. I’m not sure any of them helped! Do you have a suggestion as to how much I should increase my pred dose and for how long, given that I am over the main infection.
DIfficult to say isn't it - I think if it were me and given you are at 7mg and have signs of a flare with the aches and wobbliness, I would try the flare protocol and see if that perks you up at all. That means it is a fixed term and you have a plan to go back down again. Have you got enough pred? It might give you a chance of a more pleasant Christmas - but do make sure that you get waited on and pampered!!! No trying any heroics in the kitchen ...
I have enough pred so will bump it up by 5mg tomorrow. We have family coming here but fortunately my husband enjoys cooking so there’ll be lots of help. There’s been a lot of work getting to this point, making up beds etc so all that has probably not helped. I’ll take it easy as much as I can!
Hmm - If I can't time it for my cleaner to make up beds, I lay the clean linen on the bed and ask the guests to do it for me! I can usually manage to strip the used linen, it is loading duvets into covers that kills me!
I’m not the one at the moment. Sorry. My husband has not recovered from emergency surgery and is dying, palliative care.sure you understand. Lots of others will help .
I'm so sorry to hear that - please know we are thinking of you and are here if you want a listening ear using the Chat function. Been there, done that, many virtual hugs.
Thank you lots, means a lot, am all over the place generally and with meds, pregablin helping - I’m due a shoulder replacement and have a slipping rib into the bargain. But have wonderful support from daughter nearby and further flung sons x
So sorry to hear that. Like PMRpro, have been through same situation, so please reach out when/if you need help, or just to offload. Always happy to ‘listen’ - as PMRpro has said using Chat. 🌸
Hello Japsquar, I’m so sorry you are going through such an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for taking time to reply to me. I hope you will find comfort and support from the wonderful people on this forum.
Sorry to be so long in replying but I've been in hospital myself and ill. I have finished up on three mg of predisolone after trying three times ot get off it.
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