Posted , 16 users are following.
I was diagnosed with PMR and GCA 11 months ago. Still on 20 mg Prednisone but seem to have several side effects. My face looks puffy especially my cheeks plus I have put on weight
Not responding as well as my Rheumotologist would like. Was wondering if anyone else has suffered from side effects and do these go was you come off Prednisone??
Any feedback would be appreciated
1 like, 22 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
Reeceregan barb2540
Posted
Blimey....that’s what I gets for typing in the dark! THanks EIleen.👌
sandy08116 barb2540
Posted
Susanne_M_UK barb2540
Posted
Barb, I was diagnosed with GCA in November 2014 (previously had PMR) and it's been a very long battle tapering down. I too was stuck at 20mg pred for a long time. I had 6 months on methotrexate, but the side effects were far too severe, so they were stopped. Don't let your rheumy rush you on the tapering, it's what they tend to do, but it won't help in the long run.
I've finally managed to get down to 7mg with a few hiccups. My round, bloated face is coming back to normal. This started around 7.5mg. I'm also losing weight thanks to the Low GI diet and no doubt also because of the lower pred dose. I was so unhappy about the way I looked, but there is an end to it.
sharon35553 barb2540
Posted
I too got the puffy cheeks and gain 15 lbs. But Im normally only 100lbs so everyone thought I looked better. The worse side effect for me was the hair, not only did it start to fall out it got so dry and damaged. Thats what upset me the most.
I felt much stronger when I was at your does, loads of energy and overall totally pain free.
Been off the pred completely now for three weeks and feel like a cripple. Going to go back when I see Dr this week but not sure at what dose he will tell me to start.
After tapering down to zero I hate to go back on it but cannot live like this, Im only 65 and need to get some normalcy back in my life and if the pred can bring it then pred it will be.
Good luck Barb!
sandy08116 barb2540
Posted
Didn't lose hair - instead, it went curly. My friends are envious and wanted me to ask my rheumatologist for extra prednisone so they can have curly hair as well.
Susanne_M_UK sandy08116
Posted
So did mine. From very straight fine hair to that wavy beach effect you'd pay money for. My hairdresser is amazed by the transformation. I wonder if it'll last.
sandy08116 Susanne_M_UK
Posted
Fingers crossed it will stay but some say not! I've never been admired for body beautiful (though someone once said I had good teeth!!). I bought a straw hat the other day, don't like hats but this one fitted and wore it when I played petanque the next day. It was the second time friends did not recognise me which made me realise hats make you invisible.