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Concern with steroids

Posted , 12 users are following.

lyndsay250258
lyndsay250258

Hello, I was diagnosed with PMR by my Dr in Oct 2014. The only reason she came to the conclusion of PMR is because i had muscle soreness, but most importantly I mentioned that I occasionally get a sharp pain along my temple now and again and she was concerned about GCA. Obviously I want to feel better again, but the thought of taking steroids scares me. Because of this, I haven't taken them, but have instead taken Magnesium and Vit D, along with Devils Claw. I'm not in pain constantly, but I do feel stiff when getting up from a chair etc...

My concern about taking steroids is what damage would these drugs be doing to my body in the future ? I'm a 57 yr old woman, feeling old, where all my life I have looked and felt young.

Can anyone advise please ?

0 likes, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • pauline36422
    pauline36422 lyndsay250258

    Posted

    lyndsey   just to cheer you up a bit i have been on steroids 5 years now down to  3.5

    pred     and one of the lucky ones who havent  had any side effects  at all.  that i have noticed.  and i bet i am not the only one.  so keep smileing  its not all bad this

    medication.  would rather have that and take a chance, than the   horrible  pain of pmr.

    • lyndsay250258
      lyndsay250258 pauline36422

      Posted

      Thanks Pauline. I've taken my dosage that Dr said I should take 2hours ago and already feel immensely better.

      I didn't realise how much pain I was in. I really only thought it was aches and pains from a knee injury I sustained last year..... feel a little foolish now.

    • EileenH
      EileenH lyndsay250258

      Posted

      No need for that! Most people are scared of pred - even the doctors! I don't think anyone realises just how bad they are until they don't hurt as much. It's like banging your head against a brick wall - the relief when you stop is fantastic!

      Lots of people say much the same sort of thing when they reduce too fast/too far and have a flare. They may have been desperate to get off pred before but they see it all a different way afterwards.

      Now you feel better - DON'T go off and catch up on all the cleaning you haven't been doing. Because if you do - you'll find it hurts again and you'll think the pred isn't working. Pacing yourself and resting appropriately is now the order of the day. It will take a few weeks until you feel at your best and even then it may not be 100% - you have to do your bit too. The underlying disorder is still there, your muscles are still delicate and the fatigue won't go yet. So behave yourself!

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy lyndsay250258

      Posted

      Well done Lyndsay, I feel you have done the right thing. Hang on a few more hours and you will feel even better!
    • lyndsay250258
      lyndsay250258 EileenH

      Posted

      Thank you Eileen. I shall behave myself and refrain from rushing about etc..

      It wasn't until I had read other discussions, that I realised how serious PMR is. I've been treating as though it was similar to aches and pains when I've had a bad cold.

      I'm extremely grateful to you and everyone who took the time to advise and support me.

      I'm so glad I joined this forum 😃

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