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Can Fractured Vertebra cause a flare.

Posted , 11 users are following.

jenny22117
jenny22117

Hi I know this probably sounds a silly question, but can having 3 Fractured Vertebra cause a flare. The reason I ask is that I have been successfully down to 7mg for a month or so now, but am definitely having a flare. It started in my Elbows yesterday but is now all over. I have had 3 Fractures in the last 6 months. The last one being a couple of weeks ago.

I know People say stress can cause it, well, this has been very stressful.

Also, I realise I will have to go up on the Pred, would it be

ok  to go back to 8 for a couple of weeks.

Thank you, Jenny x

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH jenny22117

    Posted

    Yes, probably - any stress or trauma can trigger a response in the form of a flare. 

    It is also possible that the 7mg is NEARLY managing things but not quite - and it takes a while for the inflammation to build up to the stage you feel it. You might even find that 7.5mg is enough - but don't mess about, don't let the flare get away from you. Do you need to run this sort of thing past your GP? Or is it all in the hands of the rheumy?

    • jenny22117
      jenny22117 EileenH

      Posted

      Thank you Eileen, so it wasn't a silly question after all. I saw a Rheumy at the outset, but then was put under the care of my GP, who is quite frankly lacking in his knowledge of PMR. He just lets me get on with it. I will try 7 1/2 in the morning and see if that helps. If it does, how long shall I stay on it before I try 7 again.

      Thank you, Jenny x

    • EileenH
      EileenH jenny22117

      Posted

      Until all the mess is improved I'd say. I didn't mean necessarily that you should go back to 7.5, I meant more that if you get the flare signs under control then don't force it back to 7mg. You aren't going to get lower until the underlying problem of the PMR is less active. I personally think it does wax and wane a bit - you may get to a lower dose when it is relatively quiet but have to go back up a bit at times. Cold or damp weather also affects some people - and whatever it has been this winter there are few people who can say it wasn't either cold or wet and far too often both!

      I'm not even thinking of trying to get lower again until it really is spring and warm! OK, I'm at 5mg, but 7.5mg is also a reasonably low dose and most doctors do stop worrying so much when you get to that level. This is also the point at which your body will need to start to produce a bit of cortisol, the body's own corticosteroid - essential to get through stressful situations. It's out of practice - so it takes some time.

      Have you been referred to a specialist about the fractures? You do have osteoporosis in the spine don't you? If they are getting worse/more then maybe a brace might help with the pain or avoiding more developing. If it is just going to continue I'd want to know a specialist had it under review before things got even more painful.

    • jenny22117
      jenny22117 EileenH

      Posted

      Thank you Eileen, it is very reassuring knowing you at the other end of the Computer so to speak.

      i haven't been referred anywhere by my GP and he also thinks that all I need is Bone Protection from Holland and Barrett would you believe.

      I rang the National  Osteoporosis Society and the Lady there said I most certainly needed referring to a Specialist, so I am in the process of changing Doctors and I will ask the new one to refer me somewhere where I can get the help that I need.

      Thank you, Jenny x

    • EileenH
      EileenH jenny22117

      Posted

      That is a GP I'd be reporting pdq. You have proven osteoporosis and vertebral fractures and he sends you to H&B? I've heard it all now.
    • jenny22117
      jenny22117 EileenH

      Posted

      Don't worry Eileen, it is all in hand. I have got the address to report him to and I am certainly going to do it.

      Jenny x

  • Sheilamac_Fife
    Sheilamac_Fife jenny22117

    Posted

    I have nothing to add to what Eileen has said but I wanted you to know that I feel for you. Been thinking about you since yesterday. I do hope you get proper care soon. 

    Sheila xx

  • angela43016
    angela43016 jenny22117

    Posted

    Hello Jenny, I'm not an expert but I got down from 60mg to 2mg and thought that would be it. Unfortunately I got a chest infection and bam! I was put back on 60mg down to GCA and PMR. I'm now down to 7.5mg but not getting excited. We will get there but it might take a bit more time than we hoped. We can do it together xx
    • jenny22117
      jenny22117 angela43016

      Posted

      Thank you Angela. That was awful for you having to go all the way back up again. I hope you succeed this time.

      Jenny x

    • Tastyron
      Tastyron angela43016

      Posted

      That puts this whole thing into perspective for us "noobbies" doesn't it?

      Hope for the best but accept what comes seems to be the order of the day.

      Hope you get down without too much more trouble Angela.

      Ron

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