Hi has any one been offered beta blockers ? as I have mentioned before very shaky on the prednisone my gp has suggested that as I have a test next week (unrelated to the gca) for which I have to take beta blockers for three days before he has said if that helps with the shakiness I should try a course hate the shakiness but reluctant to add more pills just gone back down to 40 mgs a day also on proton inhibitor calcium and they want me to take aldronic for bones again reluctant but gpsaid better than a broken hip!
Let's start with the AA - have you had a dexascan? I will take AA if they show me on a dexascan that I need it because my bone density is poor enough to justify it. Three and a half years of pred hadn't made any difference when I had a repeat one a couple of years ago. Two other ladies have been on pred for years, both had GCA and neither were given AA, one of them didn't even get calcium and vit D. Only about a half of patients on pred develop osteoporosis. You shouldn't take AA for more than 5 years because of the serious side effects associated with longer term use. I would rather see if I require it first - I haven't thus far.
Have you tried ranitidine instead of the proton pump inhibitor? Side effects of omeprazole listed include trembling - incidence not known - and muscle spasms and twitches - rare. Yes, pred can cause shakiness - but so can PPIs. The combination of both may make it worse.
As for the beta blocker - I have been on one for the last 3 years along with pred and have had no problems at all. I am on it because I have atrial fibrillation, probably due to the autoimmune part of PMR, and require medication to control that and also control blood pressure. One thing it probably did do is help the sweats and feeling hot all the time which are either due to the PMR or the pred - or, more likely, both! I now actually feel cold in the winter now!
Thank you Eileen I have only been taking the ppi for a week and seems ok so far the shakiness predates it I am going to leave the AA for the time being I'm 52 so probably ok at the moment I did ask for a scan but rheumy said its the future we are thinking of not now ! Thanks for the advice on the beta blockers
The British Society of Rheumatologists recommends that patients under 65 should be given calcium and vit D supplements and then a dexascan in the first few months of pred therapy - even younger patients can have low bone density. But the decision should then be made on the basis of need.
Given the potential side effects I really do have a problem with the concept of handing out this stuff "just in case" - there have actually been a couple of people recently who have had dexascans who have had above average bone density - and one was so high it prompted further investigations! You can't tell without the imaging, the imaging is available. Where is the problem? Other than in doctors who think they can tell the future 100% accurately...
Hi Barney - I've been on beta blockers for 15 years and when I started steroids last year found that my BP has gone down so my GP reduced them to the lowest dose 5mg (Amlodipine). I've not experienced any side effects since taking both other than the occasional 'brain fog' that I have with the steroids. I to stops AA as I did experience some nasty side effects and stopped unless my GP sends me for a Dexascan and results show I need them.
Barney how long with GCA? Notice you are back on 40mgs per day.
It is recommended, in the guidelines, that after 2 years you should have a scan or echocardiogram on Aorta and Pulmonary Artery. Might be worth talking over with your Consultant.
Hi Barney63
Similar to several other responders, I have been on B blockers for a fib. for several years before developing PMR.
With the onset of PMR my A fib went nuts and I had to increase the dose 25 mg. With prednisone my flammation markers have returned to normal and one of these days I will see if I am able to reduce my B blocker dosage a bit.
My only complaint about the B blocker is that takes some of the energy out of my exercising. Of course now with PMR it is difficult to sort out whose to blame for my decreased energy, PMR, B blocker or age.
The ladies that Eileen refers to who never got into taking AA and maintained good bone density spoke of the importance of walking every day. If you don't put a little stress on the bones they will not lay down the calcium.
Charlie 44644
Thanks to you all for your replies they have been very helpful 😃