← Return to Irregular heartbeat issues

Discussion
caroljeand avatar

Irregular heartbeat issues

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 18 2:50pm | Replies (23)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for pah17 @pah17

I have nothing to offer, but I will be following. I'm new to the PMR journey with an existing history of high BP, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and most likely small fiber neuropathy - all treated with prescription meds - Lisinopril, Lipitor, Boniva & Gabapentin. I'm 73. I've also had a recent MRI of lumbar spine which did indicate some degeneration and possible nerve root compression.
I developed pain and discomfort at night significantly different from the numbness and tingling I have had with the neuropathy which led me to a Rheumatologist in consult. I had already had excellent results on a Medrol dose pack and I've continued on 15 mg. Prednisone daily prescribed by my PCP. . Rheumo thought that I might be able to fast track on the taper since I was doing so well. That did not work out. Symptoms returned.
Meanwhile at the same time I learned that I have AFib and I'm now on Eliquis and Metoprolol. Since the Prednisone really revs me up, I'm very anxious to taper to ease my stress in terms of dealing with AFib.
I had a stress echo and I did fine on the treadmill, but my EKG was slightly abnormal.
What changes in the course of just a few months!!! Good news - once the Prednisone kicks in for the day, I can still manage walking 1-3 miles.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I have nothing to offer, but I will be following. I'm new to the PMR journey..."

@pah17
This disease has done a number on me. I’m a 78 year old female, on several prescription meds including osteoporosis meds, blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, thyroid meds and now on ant acid meds as the prednisone has done a number on my stomach.
I was diagnosed in late August with 15 mg, went down to 10 mg and had to go back to 15 because of pain.
Almost 6 months later I’m down to 1 mg and hopefully off on the 20th. I am feeling some stiffness but nothing like the pain I had prior to the diagnosis. My flexibility is suffering too but it’s all probably due to my body adjusting to the tapering off prednisone. I have been on kevzara injections for 3 months which I hope is going to control the PMR pain. I am pretty sure the irregular heartbeat is due to the changes my body is going through and hopefully it’s not a serious, permanent condition caused by this disease and treatment.
This site has been a wealth of information and support for me as I know no one in my large city that has this disease. My mother had it and at least I was acquainted with it before being diagnosed.
Best wishes to you!