PMR treatment without steroids
Posted , 19 users are following.
Hello, I'm new. I'm pretty sure I have PMR and have a GP appointment today. I have all the symptoms and my blood results have come back abnormal.
I really do not want steroids! The side effects sound horrendous, but the main issues are: I spent the best part of last year losing weight and eventually lost over 20 pounds. This helped with my chronic mental health problems which I have struggled with for most of my life. I had a relapse over Christmas and new year, but have improved again. I fear that pred and weight gain will throw me into another vicious cycle of depression and weight gain.
I am also terrified of osteoporosis as my friend died from it a couple of years ago.
Would steroid shots avoid any of these problems or could I try to manage with strong NSAIDS? I'm already feeling 'delicate' and vulnerable and I've not even been prescribed anything. Can I refuse daily toxins (pred) in the hope of avoiding the misery that has plagued my life?
0 likes, 112 replies
Anhaga pansy57
Posted
Sorry, Pansy, we seem to have hijacked your thread. Discussion of childhood stress, family background, etc. But for those of us pursuing this conversation here is where we could go:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/why-pmr-and-my-other-autoimmune-issues-i-ve-had-a-possible-answer--696275?page=1&order=Oldest#3496116
Anhaga pansy57
Posted
Somewhere in this long thread - you didn't know what a lively discussion you were sparking did you?! - there is good advice. I believe that the moderate dose usually prescribed for PMR should make you feel so much better your outlook will improve. Weight gain can be avoided by careful attention to diet - grit your teeth and don't eat any "white" carbs or sweet goodies. Fill up on good quality protein and lots of vegetables. In a few days you may even find any craving for the carbs diminishes as your gut adapts to the new diet. You can avoid bone thinning effects of pred by taking the recommended calcium and Vitamin D supplements, and adding Vitamin K2. Appropriate exercise will help keep the weight off and also keep your bones strong. If you are able to walk out doors in a reasonably natural place (I don't know where you live) that does all kinds of things: keeps you strong, helps keep your metabolism active so the weight doesn't accumulate, and contributes to mental wellbeing. All the best. Do let us know how you are getting on.