Dry, lifeless hair; patches of dry skin on face; loss of energy by lunchtime

[Miserere]

Hallo everyone,

Some may know that we have been in the process of moving house - probably for about the last five to six months. I have done very well during this time and even reduced by .5mg.

Two weeks ago the other end of the chain threw out two dates for exchange and removal - fairly short notice but having waited for so long the rest of the chain agreed. I rushed around and started packing etc. - still doing very well. Then came the news that they could not make those dates with an excuse about work. We waited two more weeks with 2/3rds of belongings in boxes expecting th whole thing to collapse at any moment (bear in mind that we are on our fourth set of buyers as they can never seem to hold on to their chains, even when there has only been one other in it), so this process has been on and off for about four years.

I began to feel 'sore' in the joints (including in my year old knee joint) but kept going with somatic exercises until I felt I really had to increase the pred. I increased from 6.5mg to 10mg and things improved. After four days I dropped to 9mg and we decided to have a short break (only two nights, close to home, just to get away from boxes and thoughts of unpacking). During this period my hair has become lifeless, my skin is much drier and I have two patches of dry skin appear on my face. My IBS began to play up and by lunchtime I am tired out.

So, advice appreciated. I really, really would rather not up the pred any more as I feel that is what is drying everything out - particularly lips and even the mouth.

We should know exactly what is happening very soon and doubtless stress has played a major part in all this. I had been congratulating myself on not letting it get to me but ....

[piglette]

It does not sound like PMR causing the problems but more like the side effect of Pred or something completely different. My hair was equivalent to that of a scarecrow, but it did improve as I reduced. As you say stress can cause problems too. See how you go as you reduce again.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Stress - all of it. Especially the return of soreness.

The process in England is ridiculous. Scotland is bad enough although technically once the offer is made and accepted in writing the buyer is hooked. However - we threw ours out when it transpired they hadn't actually got their finances in place! It delayed us by a few months but it didn't really matter as we didn't need the money for the next house. We said enough on Wednesday, it was back on the website on Thursday, an offer made on Friday, closing date with 2 written offers on Monday and this time we took the cash offer!! Just in case. A month later the completion date happened - could have been sooner but the stork was on its way!!!

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, thanks Pro - it makes sense. In fact I've not done so badly over the last four years (we've had a rest a couple of times) and you are right - the process here is absolutely ridiculous!!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

The Scottish system used to be better - it's getting contaminated with junk from England!! But at least it is quick. When we bought that flat it took us a week from our daughter approving it to her getting the key! But there are always eejits who think they can mess about ...

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

Indeed - I have three cousins in Scotland and even one of their purchases went wrong - solicitor was responsible but it makes it no easier! It really should not be this difficult.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

The buyer had said he'd got his mortgage in place - he hadn't. We were patient but when the solicitor asked for access for a valuation for a BRIDGING loan that was the final straw!

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

Oh, heavens! I hate it when people behave that way - it would not occur to me.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

Me neither but there you are ... We think it was a buy-to-let but not entirely sure.

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

After all that no exchange again on Friday - today was the last hope and I had, frankly, given up. Solicitor emailed at 5pm this evening to say exchange had taken place and completion is tomorrow. So removal firm will be here at 8:30 and I am not entirely ready - madness! However, it is what it is - no time to do anything. At least it's over.

Hope you are having a great break!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

Thinking of you - and all the best in your new home!!!

Leave it to everyone else - sit and direct the operation!

[SnazzyD]

I’ve had two protracted property nightmares both without Pred or PMR. My hair and skin took a turn, I was constantly tired and wired and my intestine was throwing its toys out of the pram. At 6.5mg, even 9mg for some, your adrenal glands may have been required to do their bit to inject extra cortisol into the situation but couldn’t. It might be an idea to grit your teeth and up it a bit and let this blow over. Then, do not underestimate how effects of the stress can linger a bit after the crisis past.

[Miserere in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks, Snazzy - it's good to hear I'm not the only one. My intestine is also having a nightmare. It's all happened so suddenly after getting through so much without, apparently, turning a hair. Onward and upward and fingers crossed. Thanks for your response.

[SnazzyD in reply to Miserere]

That’s a common complaint. One copes well and then suddenly the body throws in the towel having had enough of compensating. We do put our bodies through a lot!

[Lopera]

I started taking collagen powder for my bone health and a happy side effect has been improvement in my hair. It's thicker and generally better all round. My skin wasn't bad to start with and I've only noticed dry lips since starting pred.

[Miserere in reply to Lopera]

That's a happy side effect - I shall look into collagen powder - thank you Lopera

[Excelsior80]

I'm sure people are right about stress but just mentioning ... I had similar symptoms from underactive thyroid.

[Miserere in reply to Excelsior80]

Thanks, ~Excelsior80 - I shall keep that in mind as well but recent blood tests appeared OK

[Miserere]

So, guess what? Today should have been exchange day ... but again it did not happen. Now we are told that it will be Monday or not at all as first time buyers' mortgage offer runs out soon and someone else in the chain will withdraw if it becomes clear it will not happen before 1st April. Someone, I feel, has not been telling the truth through the whole of this process - at a guess the people who own the first house. However, facts are facts.

I find it extremely frustrating - fourth buyer and no further forward at the moment. Costs are racking up, of course and we are still on tenterhooks. There has to be a far more sensible way to do this or a way to ensure people don't lie!

Sorry, rant over.