post sick day crash!

[CathyMeg]

Been on 5.5mgs for a couple of months as I didn’t want to reduce while on a 3 week holiday in NZ

Last three days of holiday I got a recurrence of metapneumovirus I’d had a couple of months ago. Did sick day rules of six days at 10mgs during which time I got back home and was feeling better apart from still a bit of a cough. Then took 8mgs yesterday and this morning 5.5 again.

Today been feeling rapidly worse despite staying in bed this afternoon. Now feeling terrible- dizzy sore throat and burning nose etc and a thick fuzzy head - like it is coming back like a fast train. Pretty scary really.

What should I do in the morning.?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’d go back to 10mg for another week (so treating as a flare -which it may well be). Then you should be able to drop back to 6mg rather than 5.5mg. If you are wary then do it in 2 stages - to 8mg for 5-7 days, then to 6mg.

[CathyMeg in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you soooooo much for your rapid reply. Will do so.

I can’t express how valuable you guys are. Can’t imagine doing this health journey without you. 🙏🙏

Maybe an advantage to being in Aus too if needing advice in the night. 😃🙏🙏🙏🙏

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think I would get a GP appointment as well as more pred. The pneumonia virus may be winning - and maybe you need more support.

[CathyMeg in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you too PMR Pro. What would I do without you. Thought of going to GP but they know nothing really about taking Pred long term. My new GP just wants to get me off Pred asap. Got a long spiel about all the damage it is doing to my body. Seeing a new rheumy next month. Fingers crossed. But will get the chest checked out by GP tomorrow Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CathyMeg]

Point out the damage done to your body and mind by untreated PMR. What a plonker ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Ditto to PMRpro’s last sentence ☺️

[Groggrim in reply to CathyMeg]

Hi, I just want to offer you a little. reassurance. Last August I was thought to have PMR. I went to my GP surgery and came away with a prescription in one hand and a reducing plan in the other, with warnings of all sorts of perils that could befall me on Pred. It scared me so I didn't take it properly in the beginning which did more harm.Thanks to the patience of members of this forum I learnt about it all and got it more in perspective. I am getting there, slowly, and so will you. We need each other, it makes such a difference.