a question for Eileen really, I've lost the link again you reposted for me, swiped to flag and deleted!
Im having real problems with the prednisolone side effects, huge weight gain, which I'm assuming is partly fluid, and rapid heart rate,.
GP put me on beta blocker which had no effect whatsoever, then increased the dosage which seemed to make the fluid in legs and feet worse, but no reduction in heart rate, any ideas?
I have the same problem with rapid heart rate. Never had it before PMR. It's a bit unnerving but mine was there before steroids and I put it down to PMR. I have a referral to cardiology but that is also because I have a heart rhythm problem which I also think is related to PMR as it is easing and I am now almost a year down the line on steroids. The weight gain is awful but the upside is I have my life back to an extent and it has to be better than how it was before steroids when I struggled to function. I'm sure Eileen will give you your answers.
Thank you for your input, I agree very unnerving, these side effects seem never ending. Good luck with cardiology,
Judy
Eleein is on her way to Vancouver for a conference. I know she will dip in when she can, but if you send me a pm (click on the envelope) giving me the details of which link and then I can help you out.
Eileen and I are friends.
Do you mean this one?
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-website-addresses-and-resources-35316
If it is anything else - tell me and I'll try to find it if lodger can't.
Lots of us find reducing carbs drastically has helped with weight gain - and it also helps with fluid retention once the muscle stores of glucagen are reduced. Cutting salt and increasing foods like asparagus and other "diuretic" foods also helps.
Insist your GP investigates you properly - with a 24 hour Holter ECG at least and preferably with a cardiology appointment. PMR can cause atrial fibrillation - and not "just" tachycardia and I don't believe the average GP has the skills to identify or manage such stuff.
Sent with a smile from the very peaceful brand new terminal at Munich on my way to Vancouver...
My heart rate was very high along with my blood pressure. My GP switched one of my blood pressure drugs to diltiazem (don't know what it's called in the UK) and my heart rate and blood pressure are good now. Since we are all so different, I have a pacemaker too, I don't know if it's any help but ask your doc. Good luck.
I have had really bad fluid retention in my legs and feet. I did go to a lady who did manual lymphatic drainage which had no effect on me, but I am not sure how good she was! I have leg and foot massage which does help, except I fell recently so the whole side of my leg was very painful, I suppose I could have had massage on just on leg. Doctors just shrug when I mention it and say it is a steroid side effect.
I gave up gluten and simple carbs as soon as I was diagnosed and started steroids which really helped. I do find that I need to eat less than I did before to maintain my weight.
So good of you to take the time on your travel o respond so appreciated, and will certainly speak to GP. Hope your flight went well😉
Thank you. I hope your medical problems get sorted out soon.