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Advice/experience about going back on Prednisone
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 12 6:43pm | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
@dadcue Thanks for your reply. I was not aware that prednisone suppresses adrenal function. I have been reading more about side effects. It's a long boring story, but I tested at prediabetic on an oral glucose tolerance test a few months ago. Lining up that OGTT with the timing of the previous interval of prednisone at 10mg, I am suspicious, given all the information on steroid-induced diabetes, that it is was due to the prednisone. My blood sugar is much closer to normal now. So I have flip-flopped and decided the long course of prednisone is not worth the risk. Your point about adrenal function convinces me even more that its the right decision for me. I will wait until the pain becomes debilitating again before I take the risk. I'd love to be pain free, but I can completely live with the level of pain I have now. I am just counting my lucky stars that I feel like I have a choice.
Replies to "@dadcue Thanks for your reply. I was not aware that prednisone suppresses adrenal function. I have..."
Perhaps Actemra or Kevzara would be helpful for you? I am scheduled to talk to my rheumatologist about the possibility of using one of them this Monday coming to supplement (and eventually help me lower) my prednisone use (only been on prednisone for 17 days).
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Now I feel bad because I wouldn't want you to wait until the pain becomes debilitating again. It is mostly a personal decision. Having a good relationship with your doctor is important too. Sometimes another set of eyes are needed to properly assess the problem.
My situation was unique to me just as your situation is unique to you. I don't want to convince anyone what they should do and shouldn't do.
I wouldn't recommend taking prednisone for "niggles of pain." I didn't even know what niggles were until I found something on the internet that explained niggles.
On the other hand, don't wait if the pain gets worse and you know it is PMR you are dealing with. There are so many conditions which cause pain. When it is appropriate to take prednisone is something else to be aware off.
Living with "too much" pain is never a good idea. I know what was too much for me but that's the extent of my understanding of PMR. All the rest is just my personal experience with being diagnosed with PMR.