Posted , 7 users are following.
The shakiness is worse in the a.m. I'm also finding that it hurts to take a deep breath. I was diagnosed in November and started at 20mg of prednisone.
0 likes, 10 replies
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maureen_33509 sue74091
Posted
Nefret maureen_33509
Posted
Most patients get so much relief from pain while on steroids for PMR that *it seemed like a miracle* is often used. There is no other effective treatment for PMR at the moment, although a lot of research is going on in the background.
Everyone has the choice to take them or not, I was in so much pain that I would have taken anything to relieve it. No painkillers or anti-inflammatories worked for it and in fact some made it worse.
The other consideration is that if you don't take them and leave the inflammation to do it's ugly work you can find you are in a worse pickle than before and need other, heavy duty meds to help contain it. I settled for the steroids and have not regretted it. I never want to be in that kind of pain again. I have had two joint replacement ops - a hip and a knee - they were a walk in the park after the pain of PMR.
peggy_56092 Nefret
Posted
I am glad to hear that your hip and knnee ops were sucessful. I was diagnosed about a year and half ago. I have reduced to 5 mgs about three times (apparently too fast) and now am at a stable 6 mgs. I too have a bad knee and hip and am scheduled for r. knee replacement in April. I am 68 going on 69. Previously, I was a walker (don't drive), dancer, and yoga practitioner. My weight, after losing 20 lbs and then regaining 15, remains steady thru watching my diet. Steroid shots to the knees and hip have helped but I know that is not a cure. It is tempting to cancel the op when the shot improves the knee. A friend advised to take a pain medication an hour before knee therapy. May I ask what pain meds were used for your knee op? Any information would be appreciated.
EileenH maureen_33509
Posted
Like Nefret I would agree that taking steroids is DEFINITELY worth it! I think I know what i'm talking about there - I had PMR symptoms for 5 years WITHOUT pred and I can tell you, even after 7+ years I remember the joy of being able to walk downstairs normally and back up with a cup of tea in my hand, also normally, just 6 hours after a single dose of pred. In the morning I would have stomped down one step at a time like a toddler and gone back up on hands and knees. I'd had not a single day without pain for over 5 years. Yes - pred is worth it.
No-one has to take it but it isn't a simple case of pred is bad, no pred is good. Leaving unmanaged inflammation let loose in your body increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease and even cancers in the future. Everyone has the choice, no-one is forcing them. And many doctors might encourage you to stop taking it.
Nefret peggy_56092
Posted
The hospital themselves will supply any painkillers required. It would not be a good idea to take anything without their knowledge and permission.
However, I think you are in the USA and I know things are done differently there.
I had an epidural for both, for me it was a no-brainer as I don't do well with a GA. Absolutely no concerns with it at all.
Nefret sue74091
Posted
Sorry for all the questions, just need a bit more info.
Anhaga sue74091
Posted
EileenH sue74091
Posted
One lady solved the shakiness by taking the rped at night - she then slept through it.
Where does it hurt? Pred can cause breathlessness but that doesn't seem to be what you are complaining of.
jean50664 sue74091
Posted
sorry you are experiencing shakiness .....I am as well, but I ignore it as much as I can.
I also found my throat in the morning was a bit achy and my esophygous ....however you spell that, seemed to be taking longer to get the food, drinks to my stomach. Also, when I took a bite of food my mouth was uncomfortable when I opened it to eat.
Things seem a lot less intense in the afternoons.
What meds are you on ?
jean50664 sue74091
Posted
I often find myself taking an involuntary breath, as if my lungs are t getting enough. So, I check my posture to make sure my lungs fill.in the morninfpgs I stand at my bedroom window and take 5 big lungfulls......