PMR and Diverticulitis - are they linked?
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi I have had PMR and GCA for a total of two years. I was on 60mg of Pred and tapered off completely by July 2017. I had 2 great months. Now in September I have had a very bad bout of Diverticulitis and feel as though my PMR is returning. I have terrible groin pain and hip and back pain. My blood results have risen again but I don't yet know if this is because of the Diverticulitis or if the dreaded PMR is returning! I'm 62. This all started just before my 60th birthday.
has anyone else experienced this type of thing? Can another infection start PMR off again? And..
if so what has helped you?
Also, my diverticulitis isn't just pain on my left side it turns into total abdominal pain. Pain before the toilet, during and after. Pain coughing, laughing (I wish) sitting down etc. does anyone else get this? I'd love to hear if anyone else thinks they may be linked.
0 likes, 6 replies
EileenH pauline11822
Posted
It isn't uncommon for people to wean off pred and the symptoms return within a few months. I think it is because the activity of the underlying autoimmune disorder cycles - and while it is relatively inactive patients get off pred and then the activity increases and, bang, back come the symptoms. To be off pred in 2 years is quite fast - whatever doctors try to tell you, the average duration of PMR is 5 years, not two.
There is known to be a link between autoimmune disorders and various gastrointestinal problems, including psuedodiverticular lesions. Are they sure it is "just" diverticulitis?
pauline11822 EileenH
Posted
Hi I am seeing my consultant tomorrow so I am expecting to be put back on pred and I'm not happy at that prospect to be honest. I am over the diverticulitis now after 2 lots of antibiotics and the help of a neighbour who recommended a natural antibiotic (Grapefruit seed extract) which has been like a miracle.
I have had a colonoscopy a few years ago which confirmed the diverticulosis. I've had three bad bouts in 5 years. This was the worst. I also have a fatty liver so I am now going for another scan to check that out after complaining that nobody was monitoring my liver. ( my wonderful GP went to work in Australia! So mine doesn't know me at all now ) They also want to check my whole abdomen thankfully. The pred sent my liver enzimes up in my opinion so another reason I need to get off pred.
I put on over 2 stone on pred. I got 1 stone off by sheer hard work. The weight will only lead to more issues! its hard to win with PMR isn't it.
I totally agree the consultant was ambitious to try to get me off the Meds so quickly! I thought I'd stay on a low dose for a long time! I will let you know what my constant says tomorrow.....!
EileenH pauline11822
Posted
You have seen all our discussions about low carb diets haven't you? I lost 35lb of pred and PMR weight by cutting carbs drastically - and others have either lost weight or avoided putting weight on when taking even high doses of pred. It also reduces the risk of developing pred-induced diabetes.
Kassiebeetle pauline11822
Posted
pauline11822 Kassiebeetle
Posted
Hi Kath thanks for replying. I'm concerned that there is something else going on too. I fully expect to be back on pred tomorrow! I will be in touch! The joys!!!
pauline11822
Posted
Hi today I saw my consultant who is very pleased with me. I told her how ill I've been these last three weeks. She is convinced that my PMR symptoms will go as I get better from this bout if diverticulitis. We shall see! She has discharged me. She thinks the pred has worsened my liver so she doesn't recommend me going back on pred any time soon.
I am hoping she is right if the symptoms go as I fully recover I will be so happy. I wish I was convinced? Jury's out!