PMR and gastro issues?

I’m sorry to hear about the stomach problems. GI issues are really hard. My father is still tapering prednisone, so we don’t know yet, and thankfully he hasn’t had too many stomach issues…yet.

From what I remember, prednisone could cause gastritis or increase the risk of an ulcer. Gastritis could become chronic.

What kind of stomach pains are you having, and when do they happen? While you’re waiting for diagnosis, there may be safe OTC things you can try depending on the type of pain and when it comes on.

It may or may not be connected to the PMR. If it ends up being a functional GI disorder like functional dyspepsia (I have this), any physical or psychological stressor could cause it—like IBS, the gut is basically hypersensitive. The normal sensations of digestion are experienced as pain. That’s the idea behind the low FODMAP diet, that it eliminates specific types of carbohydrates that ferment in the gut—the sensation of fermentation, which is normal, is thought to be experienced as pain.

I’d be cautious about the low FODMAP diet; it’s not meant to be long-term because it’s so restrictive and our bodies need those fermentable carbohydrates to feed the good bacteria. Studies have found that long-term use of the fully restrictive low FODMAP diet change the microbiota in the gut and can make things worse. It’s also a risk for developing disordered dating. It’s meant to be more if an experiment to figure out which foods you can tolerate, but most people skip the reintroduction phase. I was recommended the low FODMAP diet by my PCP, but she didn’t know much about how to implement it. I ended up developing food stress about eating, which made my symptoms worse.

It might not be connected to the PMR, but I hope you find answers and relief soon.

@emo I have IBS, Barrett’s esophagus, and gastroparesis. So I’m gonna have digestive issues. The PA insisted my issues were gastric related. She dismissed my symptoms of pain and stiffness focused solely on my digestive problems.

I came to this group to search experiences with GI difficulties with this disease. In my initial experience, I was severely constipated and this is not my normal .. four months in and weaning prednisone successfully (4mg presently) remains a major issue. I have tried different laxatives and dietary changes but last few days lower GI pain and spasms and I have decided to try a bowel rest to see if it helps settle stuff down.
Is this a common problem? Advice?

When I was prescribed Prednisone for GCA/PMR by my rheumatologist, my primary doctor prescribed pantoprozole to address possible GI issues. I started on 60 mg/day and tapered to 0, after a year and a half. I took the pantoprozole the entire time and had minimal GI issues. My primary also suggested that I take a probiotic because, I was having occasional bouts of diarrhea after I tapered off of Prednisone. I continue to do that, and it seems to help.

@queenshort I took a lot of magnesium citrate (still do) to address muscle stiffness. That also manages constipation. I found prednisone gave me really bad heartburn -- since I've been off prednisone that has resolved.
This may not be helpful but maybe worth sharing