Update on my polymyalgia

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi there just thought I would update you how things are going on now.

 I was diagnosed with PMR in July after weeks of really bad pain and stiffness I was put on 15mg predisilone on the wed which I took  at 5pm with my main meal re dr instructions on the Thursday morning 85% of the pain had gone it was like a miracle over the next week the pain had disappeared almost  completely I took this for 5 weeks in total had another blood test inflammation levels were much improved I thought gp told me to reduce then to 7.5mg although people on the forum were saying the reduction was far to much however I took these for two weeks with no breakthrough pain but I had to check something with my GP and she told me I was wrong she had said 12.5mg although I said I had no breakthrough pain she still wanted me to go up to 10mg which I did for a month I have just reduced again and I'm now on 7.5mg all well at the moment except for the side effects although the dizziness and the slight shaking hands have gone sleeping is a big problem although I have switched to taking the pred with my breakfast it has not made any difference to sleeping also I'm fed up of having the headache.

 I made a decision not to take Alendronic Acid that the GP perscribed in the absence of a bone scan to prove  I needed it and which they seem to think I don't need I do take Adcal 2x daily.

 

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  • Posted

    Hello Olwen2

    I had a bone density scan and everything is OK. However, I have been taking Alendronic Acid tablets for the last 3 years as I was told it is to prevent Osteoporosis developing whilst on the steroids. It is therefore a PREVENTABLE medicine.

    • Posted

      Hi there yes it is to prevent I just don't like the idea of taking it without proof that I do really need to

    • Posted

      You need to know that the bisphosphonates work by impeding the action of osteoclasts, the bone cells which break down old bone.  New bone is built by osteoblasts.  What happens with the bone meds is after a few years because proper bone remodelling has been prevented the new bone is being built on an old matrix.  In some people this can lead to what are called atypical fractures.  The side effects for all the bone meds are very serious and quite frankly I think it should be considered malpractice when they are prescribed without proof that there is serious need for immediate intervention.  Most of us are able to rebuild and preserve our bones through the right combination of micronutrients and appropriate exercise, but because of the efforts of the drug manufacturers this is, unfortunately, not the doctors' first line of defence which I think it should be.  They are really not to blame, who can keep up with all the research?  So they tend to rely too much on the drug companies, whose main aim of course is to make money.

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