Diclofenic/anti inflammatories with prednisolone

Hi,

My first advice would be, don't wait 2 months before you see your Doctor/Consultant again especially as they have recent blood results that they have not discussed with you. My second advice would be, do not take diclofenic and steroids until you have discussed this again with either your Chemist or your Doctor. I was taking diclofenic for a knee problem when I was diagnosed with PMR and was told to come off of it immediately. You deserve better than a Doctor who doesn't give you their full attention so I would suggest you make an appointment ASAP and see someone who will listen. I would also question coming off of Prednisolone at a rate of 2.5mg every two weeks espcially as you have been on quite high doses since last July. Your health is very important and you must insist on getting the very best advice and treatment available. Its obvious you don't feel that is happening and you simply can't wait another 2 months before you see anyone. I'm sure that you will get lots of good advice on this site as there are many people on here with much more experience of PMR than I have. Take care and sorry if I sound a bit bossy, but I get so upset when people don't seem to be getting the same care that I receive.

Regards Lizzie Ellen

Hi - I can only agree wholeheartedly with Lizzie Ellen even though (or maybe because) I am in the opposite corner to her experience! I had a similar experience to you with the consultant and it is my GP who is happy with the diagnosis of PMR on the basis of her previous experience. In your position I would have a good look at MrsK's posts and her links to the north-east support group. You don't have to go to the nearest consultant - I have no idea where you are, but if you have the opportunity to get to see someone who has an interest in PMR, then do so.

My consultant also didn't listen to my report of the response within 24 hours to the steroids he condescended to allow me to try and wanted to try other rather nasty drugs which are documented as having no effect in PMR. I don't have any objections to a difference of opinion - but kindly do me the favour of listening to me.

Eileen

Hello Guest and I'm so sorry to hear that you are suffering and confused and seem to have struck unlucky with the Consultant to whom you have been referred.

Steroids and anti-inflammatories DO NOT MIX! Even more so for you who is already suffering from a Hiatus Hernia. If there were problems with the computer rendering the consultant unable to retrieve your blood test results, why didn't he re-request them instead of making you repeat the tests? Blood test results are usually available within 24 hours so you can ring the hospital secretary for the results failing which your GP should be able to obtain them.

If the ESR and CRP blood test results show increased inflammatory markers that is often one of the ways of diagnosing PMR and/or GCA.

Following diagnosis and commencement of steroids there is usually a rapid improvement in symptoms which you seem to have experienced during the last 6 months of last year. It could be that the dose was reduced too quickly at that time for your body to cope, but it does confuse the issue somewhat that after increasing back up to the original dose you failed to get the same response.

Lizzie Ellen has given good advice and, hopefully, you have a GP who hears what you say and perhaps he will consider referring you to another rheumatologist who will, as Eileen has advised, \"listen to what you say\"!

Good luck and do let us know how you get on .

MrsO

I have been off pred 1 ½ years now, but while I took pred, I was told to use diuretic (is that the right word = get rid of water in the body) medicine. I got gout, and then I was told to take diclofenac, which I did for a few days. I understand that diclofenac should not be used a long period. Voltaren contains diclofenac.

Half a year ago I helped a lady with a bad back ache by giving her some diclofenac pills, and when I met her husband a week ago, he asked me if I had any of those \"miracle pills\" that saved their trip last autmun.

Was in London a week recently but missed the pmr-meeting by five days. Where can I read about that meeting?

Ragnar

Hi Ragnar

It's good to hear that you are continuing to do well post-steroids.

What a shame you were over in London but missed the 'get-together' by just 5 days! This 'get-together' took place in London the day after the launch of the Charity which has been set up to do research etc into PMR/GCA. The Launch Day was by invitation only but several of the ladies who have worked tirelessly to this end, setting up groups across the country, stayed over in London and suggested meeting up with anyone from this corner of the country who might be interested. It was wonderful to meet up with these special people, many of who are now Trustee Directors of the new Charity, which has its own website -www.pmrgcauk.co.uk - and where you will be able to read all about them and more about the Charity and PMR and GCA.

Keep well.

MrsO

Ragnar

What a pity, we would love to have met up with you in London.

Never mind another day perhaps.

And, its about time you updated your story in the North East Website, it is so encouraging to here from a 'free from PMR' person, you have no idea how people long to here from those who have recovered.

And, so many are now using the 'Ragnar' method of coming down slowly and if not exactly the same, now try something that suits them, instead of the GP.

Ragnar, you are a 'one off'.