Posted , 11 users are following.
I'm tapering off at 10mg pred for PMR and having shortness of breath. I'm 68 good cardio shape, and felt like I ran a 10K every time I went up the stairs. Rheum told me to go to ER and get checked out cause he was surprised by this side effect. Blood work, Chest X-ray, Cardiogram showed all normal, so YES for sure Shortness of Breath is a side effect.
0 likes, 5 replies
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monique46732 dennis55149
Posted
Thank you for replying. I wonder if prednisone is the reason or if it could be due to anemia of autoimmune disease. I have had most of the tests you mentioned but not the ecocardiogram yet. Along with shortness of breath I also experience weakness, fatigue and pins and needles in my feet. It is puzzling. After 2 years of pmr I am on 5 mg of prednisone. Thanks for your input and good luck in your journey.
EileenH dennis55149
Posted
But you would have expected that it would have been worse at higher doses wouldn't you?
Knoone dennis55149
Posted
i am short of breath every time I taper. It will last 2-3 fays and get better as I adjust to the new dose. It is scary to struggle to get enough air.
nick67069 dennis55149
Posted
If you want to blame anything it would not be pred, it would be PMR. You have lost fitness and PMR is restricting blood flow to your muscles. With ANY effort, you need oxygen for your muscles and they are not getting enough, which creates a condition of shortness of breath.
One needs to slowly condition themselves to be increase cardio shape. It is a classic anaerobic effect.
barb3389 dennis55149
Posted
I also have experienced shortness of breath. While hiking uphill, I seem to be behind everyone. Also have experienced it going up stairs. I've passed a stress test and a pulmonary function test. My cardiologist said the pred could have been the culprit. BTW - my last dose of pred was April 1, 2018.