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Hey vascular necrosis
Just a heads up for those of you that might not know this detrimental effective prednisone. I’ve had PMR for more than 3 1/2 years was on prednisone and initially for One year, offered for a year and then back on it for about six months because the inflammation built up again and was intolerable. I’ve been off prednisone for about 10 months now.
I recently went to an orthopedist that specializes in hips and knees because of pain in my left hip. After taking an x-ray, he told me that I have a vascular necrosis in my left hip, which means the blood supply to the bone was cut off and the bone hatch significantly deteriorated to the point where The hip joint, both the ball on the socket need to be replaced. When I let him know. I was on prednisone for PMR. He said that likely contributed significantly to be a vascular necrosis. He did comment that it could also be from old age, but was likely from both. I am a 69 year-old male.
So I think the moral of the story is get off prednisone as soon as you can, even if it means going on a biological or some other medication because prednisone, as many of you know causes osteoporosis and can lead to A vascular necrosis.
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HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
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Autoimmune conditions like PMR and the prednisone used to treat it can both cause avascular necrosis, so we have a double risk of getting it. I have Raynaud's Syndrome since being on prednisone, which stops blood flow to the hands and and fingers, turning the fingers dark blue and numb. I can see how blood restriction could also happen in other parts of the body while taking prednisone for PMR. I hope your condition is well treated and your recovery goes well. Thank for the alert.
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2 ReactionsI have osteoporosis also and complicated due to the fracture of C7 years ago, now increased from a Laminectomy and two other spinal surgeries. My bone density is to low for support or retention of metal screws. Since on the Prednisone I take Citrical Calcium Supplement with Vitamin K2 every night, plus a Vitamin D3 in the day. Without Vitamin K2 Calcium remains suspended in the blood stream and is not delivered to the bones as should be. Another important "transfer to bones" need is that of Magnesium, but choose the proper 1 of 5 different types or a multiple mag tablet. It's a shame Doctors fail to mandate the intake of K2, no known side effects and would keep a lot of us out of their offices. Please get better!
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2 Reactions@christopherc, thanks for the heads up for your fellow PMRers. You might also be interested in this existing discussion on vascular necrosis caused by steroid usage where members are talking about the same experience with the hip bone.
- Osteonecrosis/ Avascular necrosis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/osteonecrosis-avascular-necrosis-1/
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4 Reactions@oldbtstlshrp2, you may also wish to follow the Osteoporosis support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/osteoporosis/
"Based on the connection between vitamin K and bone health, several studies looked at whether it makes sense for anyone, including people with osteoporosis or at risk for it, to take vitamin K supplements. So far, results have been mixed." Read more here:
- Do You Need Vitamin K Supplements for Your Bone Health? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-need-vitamin-k-supplements-for-your-bone-health
"Vitamin K supplements are relatively safe, and many people take them. People taking blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin®), should not take vitamin K without consulting their doctor because vitamin K can reverse the effects of these drugs."
As always, it's best to check with your doctor when taking supplements to check for possible drug interactions.
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