Prednisone and neuropathy

@jillkellyauthor, There is a similar discussion that you might find helpful for comparing notes. I've had PMR twice while having neuropathy (idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy) but the prednisone didn't have any impact one way or another for my neuropathy.

-- Peripheral Neuropathy - Result of PMR or Prednisone?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-8/

I never had neuropathy until I took methylprednisolone this past winter for a sinus infection--the pills were prescribed by an ENT. On day two I had the worst reaction, tingling and burning with a racing heart. I immediately discontinued the dreadful meds. Since then, I lost weight, I get night sweats and of course, feet that lost feeling. Muscles have also grown weaker. Doctors cannot seem to find out what caused this neuropathy-- I do not have diabetes, was never a drinker or smoker and never had chemo. The various doctors I have been to seem reluctant to blame the medicine--which leads us down another trail about health care.

I'm very interested in this topic, because I've been ruled out for large fiber neuropathy. My neurologist has diagnosed me with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. I take 300 mg Gabapentin at bedtime. Until recently
my discomfort has been in the form of numbness & tingling from calves to feet. Fast forward I developed pain which initially concerned me in fear that the neuropathy was progressing.
I have a new diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica from a Rheumatologist. I'm being treated with Prednisone.
I'm beginning to notice that my neuropathy symptoms are much more pronounced. Usually during the day when I'm active, I barely think about that. Not so now. One good thing is that my pain is controlled well and I will be tapering off the Prednisone slowly but surely. But in the meantime I do wonder if there is a connection to the feeling of deeper numbness and tingling during the day.

@pah17 Yes, this is what happened to me. I had minimal neuropathy before prednisone. It seemed well controlled. Then after only a couple of months on prednisone for PMR, my neuropathy grew more and more intense, more pain, more numbness, more dead nerves. It was one of the many reasons I got off of prednisone as quick as I could. Wish I had a solution to offer you.

@pah17 hi, my PCP told me that is a side effect of Prednisone (pins and needles, numbness.) Me thinking out loud, says I think Prednisone does/did increase your feeling that.
I know what you are feeling is real. I have a difficult time finding the right words to describe what I feel in my hands (palms) and feet (soles)….knives, broken glass… It’s getting better though.

@jillkellyauthor I have another question. Did the soles of your feet turn deep red by the end of the day while on Prednisone?

@pah17 I have noticed the bottoms of my feet being quite red at the end of the day but didn't associate it with prednisone. Interesting.

@pah17

I didn't notice that.

@pah17 I have noticed reddened elbows and knees and red blotches on my legs after showering. My dermatologist feels that is where skin is so thin and the prednisone has made it worse. Now that I’m off it for a week and a half I’m wondering if it will improve. My elbows feel like a rug burn.

@csimmonds I have also had reddened soles at the end of the day, but not numbness. I couldn’t figure it out. I’ve been off prednisone for about three weeks now, and will see if it gets better better.