New diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica
Posted , 4 users are following.
Thank you for accepting me on your forum. I was diagnosed with PMR four weeks ago. The way this disease so quickly stopped me in my tracks was scary. The pain was crippling and the stiffness debilitating. But the steroids have been amazing. And I have just reduced them to 12.5mg. How can I keep the weight off so I can keep my blood pressure on an even keel ( I take three BP tablets). Another question is - I like a drink so can I keep on with three or four pints of beer or three glasses of wine every now and then. Thank you
0 likes, 3 replies
Joystick anne97422
Posted
Hallo Anne97422. I was also diagnosed about four weeks ago, and I agree the speed of the disease shocked me as well, especially as I was feeling very fit just a few weeks before. Mine started after the first covid vaccine and got worse after the second - that's when the dr recommended steroids. I've only been on them a week but it has eased things a bit. I have not actually seen a dr - this has all been done by telephone and blood tests with the practice nurse. I am trying to do a mile or so walk each morning as don't want to cease up altogether and I am now able to do some gardening as well. The stiffness is still there but it is about 70% better than it was.
Like you I am sticking to a sensible diet and drinking minimal alcohol - a splash of white wine in a spritzer yesterday. I don't want to do anything that will inhibit healing.
I hope all goes well for both of us and I am sure we will both find answers on this very helpful website.
Anhaga anne97422
Posted
Unfortunately this site is not very active at the moment. If you don't get more responses here you could try HealthUnlocked, the PMRGCAuk community, which is very active.
EileenH anne97422
Posted
Do come to the PMRGCAuk forum
https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk
As Anhaga says, this is practically defunct - we are all there as it is easier to use.
To manage weight gain when on steroids - cut your carbs drastically! It does work - pred changes how your bosy metabolises sugar/carbs.
The quantities of alcohol you mention count as binge drinking if you drink them at one time! It also contributes a lot to weight gain because beer in particular has a lot of carbs. I still drink - but only 1 small glass of wine with dinner at night.