Posted , 19 users are following.
I've been on Prednisone since July 2016. Started with 20 mg; 3 months later restarted at 40 mg; am now at 10 mg and tapering. I have blurred vision; can read only for limited periods and have to squint frequently to focus. Expected tapering would reduce these side effects, but so far not.
0 likes, 59 replies
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phillip11645 Babazaga
Posted
Hi B,
I've also noticed some blurriness and "bleary" eyed symtoms along with tearing at times in both far and near vision, but so far it clears up after awhile. My start with Prednisone was 15 mg about the same time as you and still stuck at 10.
Did you reduce down to 0 - how did you have to re start at 40?
Babazaga phillip11645
Posted
BettyE Babazaga
Posted
You do not say why you re-started at 40mgs. Pred. Was this because of vision symptoms? Was it on Your GP's direction? What follow up appointments have you had?.
Your vision symptoms should be taken seriously.
Were you diagnosed with PMR or GCE? If just GCE, 40 is quite a high starting dose. If GCE then probably not high enough given thee symptoms you report.
I think if I were you I would be seeking further advice but it's not clear from your post whether this is the case.
Babazaga BettyE
Posted
When I returned home after 3 months, my rheumatologist thought the doctor from the vacation location started me on too low a dose and thus restarted w 40 mg. I've had blood tests every few months---ESR, Blood sugar etc. I was diagnosed with GCA only, but opted out of the biopsy since its not conclusive.
jean39702 Babazaga
Posted
My vision has been wacko for the 3 years I've been on prednisone,. I have my eyes checked at least annually and both my reading and distance vision has varied every time. I see the same eye specialist every time so I don't think I can blame the practitioner. :-) I've wrestled with blurry vision on and off, mostly for distance as I can actually read without my glasses. Because of the constant variation I haven't bothered with new progressive lens until now. I'm having too much difficulty reading some road signs and the prices on shelves in stores, etc. I've ordered inexpensive progressive lens on the internet .
Early on I had difficulty reading my computer screen and got cheap prescription lens specifically for that purpose. As crazy as it sounds, those computer glasses are currently working better for distance than my progressive lens. They are no longer of use for me reading the computer screen.
As I say, WACKO!
Silver49 jean39702
Posted
I have similar problems and have regular eye tests. I'm at 5mg and still have blurry vision on and off. I don't stress myself over it as it doesn't appear to be serious .....for me anyway.
Babazaga jean39702
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What dose have you been on for 3 years? Have you suffered the balloon cheeks, "camel back", fatigue, muscle cramps etc.?
Babazaga Silver49
Posted
Babazaga jean39702
Posted
jean39702 Babazaga
Posted
All of the above and more. :-) I started on 40 mg 3 years ago after 20 and 25mg failed to releive symptoms. I actual had a total meltdown on 25 mg. I'm currently down to 11 mg after a couple of flares and reducing by only .5 mg at a time. Moon face is going down slowly, as is weight gain (40 pound gain in total). Fatigue haunts me with every reduction for the first few weeks. Also, if I don't pace myself properly. Muscle cramps were something I had before PMR and have remained comtrolled by 100 mg of magnesium daily.
Silver49 Babazaga
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Yes. The Cushingoid face has all but gone. My balance is still a little bit problematic but much better. I have more energy and friends have noticed and remarked on the fact that I am more like my normal self. The weight remains but I don't have the 'lump' on my neck area now so I am hopeful that the weight may start to come off!
Rimmy jean39702
Posted
Hi Jean
This may or may not be about the pred. Long before PMR I was surprised at the variation in pescriptions opticians gave me for multifocal lenses. Sometimes they were significantly 'weaker' than previous (2 yrs earlier) ones. I think like lots of things we think are more 'scientific' there are lots of variables including the optician's skills and our general state of health at the time we are tested. Think if I get a bigger collection of old glasses I will have lots of 'choice' including just cheap magnifiers. But obviously very necessary for all of us to keep an 'eye' out for any symptoms of GCA. Hope your eye problems get sorted soon though !
jean39702 Rimmy
Posted
Thank Rimmy, you could be right! I've had my current lens and frames for over 10 years so it's time to try the lated 'guess'.. I'll start my own collection of choices. :-)
Babazaga Silver49
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That gives me hope! I feel like my parents might have been a giant chipmunk and the Hunchback of Norte Dame!😬
linda17563 Babazaga
Posted