@dadcue and all.. Well, aren't you the super dude! Look what you were able to do for us... I'm doing so well to be online, using websites, YouTube, Perplexity, streaming, purchasing too much and enjoying what I consider being pretty darn good at the digital life I need... I get in trouble of course at times, but usually find my way out with calm determination. You are something special!

Very informative and helpful. Yes, I have a long list of junk going on. Sarcoid, Vasculitis, PMR, GCA, 3 aneurysms, heart disease, 2 small heart attacks, PE, erosive arthritis, osteoporosis, neuropathy, prednisone induced diabetes just now, after over a year, getting off insulin shots - thanks to Mounjara injections!!! Thrilling good result from that drug. After serious allergic reaction to Oxympic perhaps with covid leading to PMR... Now as of last week off all insulin I've been taking since last May after a serious high glucose event, perhaps created by Oxympic reaction, with ER, hospital, etc, hospital rehab where my legs from hips became paralyzed for 4 days, possibly due to a rare PMR flare reaction - increased Prednisone then to 20mg from 10mg holding dose. Then a month in nursing home rehab from Hell!!!! good PT from hospital rehab and NH rehab and began standing and walking with PT. Never recovered use of legs completely, partially bedridden, but did improve and was thrilled... until PMR raised it's nasty head again and here we are. Oh, 2025 was the ER year for me... above diabetes, 4 severe UTIs with 3 sepsis admissions for IV antibiotics, one lasting 5 days. PE, stroke symptoms probably result of Prednisone withdrawal...

This mean illness has a hold on my system that must be broken. I'm praying Kevzara is the answer to this one. Prednisone began at age 40 with Sarcoid. Off and on since for lung inflammations, etc. Thusly, the multiple Prednisone side effects - heart, bones, vascular system, brain fog, mood swings, depression, serious weight gain, skin thinning, and etc. T12 vertebrae repair with cement that worked!!!! multiple vertebrae issues, lumbar worse now. Hips, joints, cervical, etc. So, yep. A bunch going on and new goodies popping up regularly I am sure resulting from Prednisone and the other chemicals I was on far too long.

Several years ago, I took control and became my own advocate. Began researching and digging into everything going on to find answers, insist on care I knew was available and generally became what docs then called a 'bad patient'. A woman who asked questions, expected respect, demanded answers and open, honest discussion face to face, eye to eye, as appropriate.

What a long journey this has been. Then, did the same the last 25 years for my 57 year old disabled son with cervical dystonia, Dilaudid pain pump, severe chronic and acute nerve pain 24/7, constant muscle tightness and spasms, nerve blocks, maximum Botox injections, and a lot of love, care, patience and understanding. 25 years of fighting for his diagnosis and treatment and care and respect. Again! He lives a life of pure pain hell. Lost his life at age 35...

So, yep. This has been a long, challenging, struggle to get to this point in my health care. Stress is easily dismissed but obviously is very much part of the equation. But, even though I am truly becoming empty inside with little to give, I am still a Southern Woman with a steel spine! And a Mama Grizzly Bear!

Thanks for your wonderful insights and knowledge. Helps. Lots. I must understand to deal with the issues. Blessings, Elizabeth