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Prednisone side effects

Posted , 18 users are following.

kkmcclendon
kkmcclendon

I have been on 60mg of prednisone for two weeks now. I keep having trouble with a rapid heart beat often times over 120bpm and my blood pressure is running high. When your heart beats so fast, it's scarey and hard to breathe. I feel like I am literally going to die. Has anyone else experienced this when on prednisone?

0 likes, 87 replies

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  • BettyE
    BettyE kkmcclendon

    Posted

    I have described my experience with side effects of Pred. on the Zero Pred. thread so won't repeat here but it might be relevant to your query.  Hope it might be encouraging.

     

  • EileenH
    EileenH kkmcclendon

    Posted

    As the others have - said do make sure your GP is aware and has checked it out. Both are side-effects of pred and are often dismissed as such but I have atrial fibrillation which was most likely caused by the autoimmune part of GCA/PMR.

    If you feel really ill with it or it lasts for very long don't hesitate to call the emergency medical services whatever they are where you live. Even if it IS due to pred, a fast heart rate for very long is not good for anyone and can be dangerous - better calling them once too many than once too few.

  • Silver49
    Silver49 kkmcclendon

    Posted

    What finally drove me to my GP was a heart rhythm problem prior to diagnosis. Now I am on prednisolone it has settled reasonably well but I also cut out caffeine completely. I also noticed a racing heart prior to diagnosis but nobody seems concerned about it and it'still there. I had a heart rhythm problem when I had ME over 25 years ago but didn't have it checked. GP said I need to get to surgery or hospital to have it checked when it is happening! Last time it happened they were both closed. Heart monitor would need to be on for days. I asked about tests in general when taking steroids but nothing was suggested except BP x 2 annually.I have decided to go with the flow but I understand your concern and agree with the others that you should have it checked out.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      Does it last long enough to call the emergency services? In the UK the quickest way to get an ECG done is to dial 999! My GP told me to do that if my palpitations lasted long enough to be upsetting - crackers I thought but he was right. My daughter is a paramedic and she told me I'd have been one of her "blue lights and get the hell out of here" patients. Nice I thought!
    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      Still trying to get the hang of posting. Just realised what to do. I'm sorry but I have replied to you on kkmcclendon's post. I hope you can see it as I don't know how to 'cut and past' it to you!
  • Silver49
    Silver49 kkmcclendon

    Posted

    Thank you, Eileen H. I did call Nhs 24 one early morning and they advised 999 if I had any other symptoms or concerns but it settled. Another evening it lasted for hours and was irregular. I just decided to go to bed and try to get to sleep. I thought well if I don't waken it would be someone else's problem to clear up the mess!😀😀
    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      The time it lasted a long time and was irregular you should have called 999 - they would have had an ECG done in minutes, unless of course you are in the back of beyond in Scotland! If you feel sweaty or clammy or any other strange feeling - dial 999 straight away.

      I don't think most of us are so precious that we are going to complain where you post - and I read every post that comes in to this forum anyway. Luckily I was able to get at the forum while we were in China - because I had over 600 notifications when I came back for the 2 forums - but even so, all have been read! 

    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      Thank you, Eileen H. Yes, with hindsight, I should have. We are not 

      off the beaten track but ambulances are quite scattered in this area so may have had a long wait. I just thought it would go away and would then be a waste of their time!

  • Silver49
    Silver49 kkmcclendon

    Posted

    Eileen H. I notice you are coming to Scotland. Waterproof boots, thermals and woollens are needed. And that's just for bedtime!!!! I hope you have a nice time and we are overdue some heat so you may get lucky!
    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      Ach - it'll be fine! I have everything from jeans and a thick cardigan to shorts. It's only Rosyth, Edinburgh is remarkably mild most of the time. Where are you?
    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      I live in Perthshire.. There's something round and yellow in the sky today and I've removed my thermals!! Only joking about the thermals. It's a pleasantly warm day.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      Where in Perthshire? I used to live in Meigle - my best friend lived in Coupar Angus, which is in Perthshire!
    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      Blairgowrie. How amazing. Know the area well as you will if you lived in Meigle. One of my friends is originally from Coupar Angus.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      My daughters went to school in Blair and my mother-in-law died in the cottage hospital. We went to the Episcopal Church and I did RDA at the riding school.

      Wonder if we have ever met..

    • EileenH
      EileenH

      Posted

      Brain slipped out of gear - you know there is a support group in Dundee? And an excellent Scottish website?
    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      How long ago is it since your daughters went to school in Blair.?A number of my friends are teachers (now retired) who taught in the local schools. I have a friend who does RDA in Perth. 
    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      Yes, thank you. I was aware but had no plans to go. I have quite a busy life and am trying to pace myself which I find difficult. I will keep it in mind.
    • lodgerUK_NE
      lodgerUK_NE Silver49

      Posted

      Maybe the booklet called 'Living with PMR & GCA' would help you?
    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      They're in their mid-30s now. Nasty thought that really...

       

    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      Yes, I know what you mean. Are you planning to be any further north than Edinburgh? It sounds like you have a busy schedule. 

       

    • EileenH
      EileenH Silver49

      Posted

      I doubt it - not much time! Might make it to my brother - but it will depend on his shifts. 
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