Have this week begun a course of Prednisilone 20mgs/day for PMR ,finally diagnosed this week. I also have Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and have a bucket full of drugs for that problem. Digoxin,Bisoprolol, Warfarin and Atorvastatin. Paracetemol doesn't help me atall and the steroids haven't yet shifted the pain . Calcium in large amounts and stomache lining protection are also on my intake of prescribed drugs!
They can both be taken together but just ensure that you are followed up for an INR appointment for your warfarin just to make sure it isn't affecting your readings.
Tarun (hospital pharmacist)
Hello marytommo
I'm so sorry that you have found yourself in this PMR 'club' that none of us wanted to join, and more sorry to hear that the steroids haven't yet shifted the pain". You say you have only started them this week so perhaps it is a little soon if you only started them towards the end of this week. Usually we can expect to get around a 70% improvement in our pain levels within a very short time, sometimes in a day or two, so I do hope you will respond to the steroids and feel some improvement soon. If the steroids are doing their job and the diagnosis is correct then I wouldn't have thought you needed Tramadol as well. You are very lucky if you can tolerate it, as during my year of non-diagnosis, I was prescribed Tramadol and after just one tablet I felt away with the fairies and I never took any more. Good luck and I do hope you feel better soon.
Thank you Tarun and MrsO for your feedback. Codeine phosphate and amytriptoline did the very same thing and sent me on some trip so it's difficult to know what to take. Fifth day on prednisolone and still in the mornings not so good. By mid afternoon for the past 2 days the pains ease by 70%. My PMR only came to a serious level for about 2 months but it was NOT EASY to tolerate the debilitating pain. Loss of sleep and weight etc.,etc., etc. Yes, I agree, I have to give it a little more time to see if there's some improvement. I'm pretty confident and I'm fortunate to have a sound Doctor to help me along...
Hi Marytommo, I've taken Tramadol and steroids together for a long time without any problems, but we are all so different that all you can do is try and see. If you have been unable to tolerate co-codamol and amitriptyline they are certainly worth trying.
Like MrsO I am puzzled that your reaction to steroids has still left you with severe pain, I would also have expected your pain to be much improved in a relatively short space of time. I think it might be worth asking your doctor for a review in case you need a slightly higher dose to begin with?