So far...

[Firstviolin]

I said in an earlier post that I would write about my experiences with the various health professionals I have come across in my PMR "journey". I was diagnosed April 24 by a private consultant, put on steroids and Actemera for about 6 weeks. Was told to reduce by 2.5mg every two weeks! In my ignorance I did this. The Actemera was stopped because when I reduced, the pain came back, and it was decided that the Actemera was not working. This was probably lucky for me, because I have extensive diverticulosis, and I was told by the doctor in the hospital where I am now attending, that Actemera is not advised for patients with Diverticulosis, as it can exacerbate it and cause serious problems. Then the first consultant put me on Methotrexate which made me very ill and started an episode of diverticulosis which I am still trying to deal with seven months later. When that consultant sent me a prescription of an anti-emetic to deal with the bowel problems, as a result of a comment on this forum, I decided to transfer to the rheumatology depart in my local hospital. This has been really helpful for me. The doctor in that clinic understands about slow tapers and I have access to advice and help for a Nurse Specialist by telephone. I am seen every few months, and all in all, it is a great improvement. I was on 6.5mg per day before Christmas. Then I got a chest infection, so my GP put me on antibiotics and 30mg prednisolone for 5 days and 20mg for five days. Now tomorrow I am to go back to 6.5mg and according to my schedule I will reduce to 5mg the following week. During the last few months, I have had a few other medical appointments - one with the second GP in my practice, who told me that at my age taking steroids was not a problem because the side effects took about 20 years to manifest - and as I would be 100 by then - I should not worry about them. She said that the only thing I needed to worry about was bone health, but as I am Prolia for Osteoporosis I didn't need to worry about that. She said to just take as much pred as I needed to be comfortable and to lead a happy life! I have a number of other health problems and am seeing various consultants for these - probably all age-related or else the sequelae to Triple negative breast cancer in 2012. She said that I was on "a very low dose" of pred and not to worry about taking it. So now! Doctors differ......

On a separate note, I am so grateful for all the help, support and expert advice on this forum, I would like to send a small contribution to the cost of maintaining the site. How can I do this? I live in the south of Ireland.

[piglette]

You have had quite time. If you want to give a donation, go to PMRGCAuk.co.uk and there is a box on the top right hand corner saying DONATE.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"the second GP in my practice, who told me that at my age taking steroids was not a problem because the side effects took about 20 years to manifest"

Heavens - where on EARTH did SHE do her training? I'm speechless!!

You can become a member - contact Fran_Benson to ask how to do it from outside the UK. Then you get benefits as well as supporting the charity.

[powerwalk in reply to PMRpro]

Honestly, im so stressed by medics, its just scary. Personally speaking of course!! I know there's good ones. 20 years i wish.

[fairy100]

I am so glad I read the 4 x A4 pages of side effects of Methotrexate before I took a tablet despite it being pushed on me with a shrug of the shoulders on asking about side effects. I am now on a slow taper (from 5mg of Pred) with the agreement of my Rheumy team and that when I get to a level of Pred that suits me (from past experience 3mg) I can stop there and that at that low dose there should not be any problems. As you say doctors differ. Keep with what feels right for you, I hope the diverticulitis resolves itself. Take care.

[powerwalk]

Thanks for update. I hope your diverticulitis settles.