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Prednisone and horrid emotional turmoil

Posted , 10 users are following.

OregonHazel
OregonHazel

for the last 2 months I've been experiencing nonstop crying jags along with overwhelming sadness along with a really bad temper.

I blame it on the prednisone. But why now? I did not have these symptoms for the first 3 months on pred.

background: diagnosed with PMR 5 months ago, started on 20 mg daily and slowly tapered to my current 10 mg dose.

Is it possible the lower dose brought the symptoms? Or could it be the long term accumulation of prednisone in my system? And will this continue to get worse as I taper even lower?

I am not real good at describing how I am feeling but in some ways this is more difficult to live with than the pain (which was so bad at times I was in a wheelchair).

I'm doing a low carb diet and forcing daily walks.

any insight would be helpful

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH OregonHazel

    Posted

    I experienced the same with untreated PMR and still now if I am flaring or on the border of flare it happens too.

    I'd be more of the opinion that you are depressed - and you need professional help. Coming to terms with a chronic illness and long term medication is hard. It is a bereavement, you have lost "you" and your normal life. Speak to your doctor - and don;t be dismissed. It is hard to admit - but it can be managed and improved.

  • margot34956
    margot34956 OregonHazel

    Posted

    Hi, Oh i am really feeling for you, i do get you, I am there also, so so sad and yes crying that just doesn't stop.

    I don't let anyone see me like that, but it sometimes the crying just starts even around people.

    I really don't have answers for you, but to say I do blame the prednisone and menopause at the same time.

    Walking really does help, so I encourage you to keep going with that even if you must force yourself. Please do.

    Prayer certainly helps. If you don't believe then ask someone who does.

    Take Care

  • nancy02150
    nancy02150 OregonHazel

    Posted

    My daughter said MOM you are expressing all the signs of depression...GET HELP. so I asked for lowest dose of antidepressant and for 6 months have had clear saiiing without weeping and angry moments. get help as my daughter says Love to all

  • OregonHazel
    OregonHazel

    Posted

    Thank you all for the swift replies, I appreciate every one.

    I blame my symptoms on prednisone but that may not be the whole cause. Certainly depression is a logical explanation and I will being this up with my doc. Life is too short to live in this emotional turmoil and it is time to seek help.

    The timing just seems odd. My PMR journey is smoothing out. My prednisone taper is finally going slowly but well. Pain control is also going well. Why now this new unwelcome symptom.

    thanks again for listening

    • ClaireJG
      ClaireJG OregonHazel

      Posted

      I wouldn't be surprised if it was a delayed reaction to everything that has happened to you. You're coming to terms with this condition, which includes chronic pain, reduced energy, reduced mobility, reduced motivation and having to adjust your lifestyle and activities. You're having to take powerful medication with side effects and attend hospital appointments. It's likely that family and friends struggle to grasp what's going on, especially as you probably don't look ill. It's tough.

      Be gentle on yourself and congratulate yourself for everything you have achieved so far. If you need a little help by taking an extra medication to get you through this, then so be it; you're not a failure.

      Good luck.

    • OregonHazel
      OregonHazel ClaireJG

      Posted

      Delayed reaction/depression would explain the symptoms and especially the timing of my new craziness. what an odd disease we have!

      thanks for your insight

  • Elijo
    Elijo OregonHazel

    Posted

    I found that prednisone had so many side effects which affect each of us differently. However it is needed for PMR and I feel when you reach much lower doses the side effects do wane some. When I was on the beginning larger dose, I gradually became very happy, like looking at the world with rose colored glasses, a wonderful feeling which gradually subsided. I had PMR for 2.5 years, and the whole thing has effected me causing medical problems, balance, cardiac, etc. However I am glad to be PMR free, and just have to be more careful now. You could have some depression and possible a therapist could help. I do hope you will be feeling better soon! (although I have been PMR free for 2 years, I still follow the site)

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