I’ve recently contracted flu and it’s wiped me out. It’s now been 7 days and I feel absolutely exhausted, a bit like early days of PMR.
I feel like I’m getting slowly better, but I’m wondering if I just stick it out and / or if this might also be a flare?
I’ve got mild bilateral shoulder ache, but that’s all. Headaches, which go with paracetamol. Keep needing to nap during then day and feel nauseous.
Currently on 2mg per day and until this was exercising regularly.
Flu very often does give the same muscular pains etc that you get with PMR, so it is difficult to know sometimes.
Would say plenty of TLC, keep hydrated and continue with paracetamol for a bit longer….maybe after weekend you might be able to decide if it’s just the flu or it is a flare.
Link contains info, if it is -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Your adrenals will also be struggling - hence the nausea and some of the fatigue…so do make sure that doesn’t intensify.. might be worth increasing to 5mg for week to help them as much as anything.
Hope you soon feel better…
People I know locally have all felt like this for 2-4 weeks post flu or whatever this horrible virus has been. Sick day rules wouldn’t go amiss but not in order to short circuit the grind that is recovering from flu. I’m on day 5 of an intense thing that had some weird symptoms and my shoulders are complaining from being laid on too much.
If you have REAL flu, as opposed to a bad cold or another viral infection, it will take more than a week to recover. I've only had it once, it hit like a ton of bricks and I couldn't get out of bed for more than a stagger to the loo for a week, Couldn't get downstairs to make a cup of tea!! I ached all over - everything hurt to touch or move. It was a few weeks before I could say I was feeling better.
Sick Day Rules might be worth thinking about but I don't think I'd assume it is a flare yet.
Likewise, PMRPro re REAL flu and 'ton of bricks'. I have never since confused it with anything else viral or otherwise !
Awful isn't it? And the way you go from functioning to flat in an hour or so!!
Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep resting for a few more days, hoping it starts to improve.
If not I’ll consider sick day rules, although I’m really reluctant to take more Pred
It isn't permanent - but the Rules are to allow your body to fight off the illness.
Sometimes it a must -as as stated it’s not a permanent increase…
Don't forget - at 2mg that is a very low dose. If your adrenal function is still wobbly and leaving you in adrenal insufficiency, then it is also unlikely that the adrenals can respond normally when you are ill to help your body deal with the extra stress of illness. It could put you at risk of an adrenal crisis - which is very unpleasant at best and life-threatening at worst. SDRs are to avoid you ending up in that situation.
Thank you and really appreciate the consul.
I certainly feel that this cold / flu has been worse than normal due to my adrenal capacity. I can see from smartwatch the effect it’s having compared to a normal day. Which only recently had me running and playing tennis.
I’ve done so well to get to 2mg and I’m probably being stubborn by not increasing the Pred according to the SDR.
I’ll give it one more day and if not I will give in and revert to your advice.
I had the flu for two weeks over Xmas. Same as you, total wipe out. I’m now super stiff, more than normal pain in the mornings, so I can only assume getting a virus can sometimes just make symptoms worse or trigger a flare. Hang in there.
It can - but the virus itself does similar damage and it takes weeks to recover fully. People are too dismissive of flu.
Thank you SarahDHx - TBH I’d be prepared to ride it out, but I’m still @ work and don’t want a prolonged absence. Too much to do!
That’s as may be - but if you don’t get things under control it may well entail even longer off work…
Old but true adage -a stitch in time saves nine! 😊
But if you aren't fit to work and turn up - you get even further behind and they don't see you are still ill. And it is likely to take even longer to get well.
Ladies, you are a brilliant voice of reason 😀
Having had 6 months off work and being in the deep, depressive depths of PMR I’ve learnt an awful lot about managing my health.
I’m by no means perfect, but I do take this seriously, far more than I ever used to
I’ve finally “given in” and started to adopt the Sick Day Rules from today.
Dam this PMR!
I’ve been back @ work for 12 months with no sick days. Just when I’m looking forward to being, what I hope will be a PMR and Pred free, along comes a fork in the road.
I shouldn’t be surprised, it’s just a gentle reminder of the unpredictable journey we are all on.
Thanks again for the support
It isn't the same as increasing because things have deteriorated - like the flare protocol. it is in the hope that you won't HAVE to increase because things have got worse. It might make a few weeks difference - but since you have no idea WHEN you might be pred-free you can't tell. And if you don't, you might end up with a proper flare that is difficult to control and that WILL prolong the journey.
I’ve finally “given in”
Don’t view it as giving in, view it as managing the current situation - much more positive approach…We know PMR/GCA is a blasted nuisance - but sometimes you can help by changing your perception.. 😊
Pred at lunchtime & flu
Flare or Something Else?
Is this a flare or something else?
Flare treatment
