My kidney functions were fine in December 2024. I was diagnosed with PMR February 20th went onto 20 mg prednisone on February 21st 2025. On March 14th I went to the ER for chest pains. I had developed Pulmonary hypertension and my kidney function was at Stage 3a disease. None of my doctors mentioned it to me and my focus was on my heart.
After a failed stress test and heart angiogram it was determined I had HFpEF - a type of diastolic heart failure. Cards wanted me off pred due to fluid build up. By now it was May and I was put on Lasix and told to taper off pred. My kidneys were still at stage 3a disease with no one discussing it with me.
I’ve been off pred and methotrexate (10 mg/wk) since October 7th, and in full PMR relapse. In October I pointed out to my PCP that no one has mentioned the rapid decline in my kidneys, which the recent tests showed a decline to Stage 3b. So he sent me to Nephrology where I had a kidney ultrasound that was “unremarkable”, and a Cystatin test that was not good. Last week I had another Cystatin test and my Cystatin-C was 1.84 and my estimated EGFR was 31. This was “stable and slightly improved” (docs words) from the first one in October which was 1.89 and 30 respectively. An EGFR of 29 is stage 4 disease. From normal to borderline stage 4 in less than a year with no explanation, and none of my docs appear concerned.
I also had a DEXA scan that showed I went from osteopenia to osteoporosis during that time on prednisone. So much damage to my body in such a relatively short time on Prednisone. None of which is reversible. And, of course, I’m in full PMR relapse with nothing but Tylenol.