Prednisolone

[Ginger]

I was living in Conncticut and diagnosed with FM in 1992. I tried many combinations of medications and finally settled on Welblrutrin along with Ritilan. I took this combination for years while at the same time being careful not to overdo it physically since I was afraid of flareups. I weaned myself off the meds two years ago, kept my activity level down and had no major flareups.

Over two months ago I moved to the UK, got married and became more active. I then had a major flareup. After a month of increasing pain I saw a doctor. The doctor here gave me codeine which did not help. He has me now on a weeks trial of Prednisolone. I almost refused to take it but was desperate for some relief. Seems like they won't give me the meds I used to take years ago, at least not the NHS doctors.

After three days of taking 15mgs daily of Prednisolone I am feeling lots better. I have to decide on Friday whether or not I want to continue taking it with the dose being gradually decreased. From everything I have read it seems to have loads of nasty side effects. One major side effect of great importance to me is weight gain since I am overweight already.

Does anyone have any experience with this med and does anyone know if going on a wheat free or gluten free diet while taking the Prednisolone will help me keep from gaining weight? Any feedback concerning this med, it's effects and side effects or suggestions for other medications available to NHS patients for FM in the United Kingdom would be greatly appreciated. I just hate the thought of becoming heavier but I do need some relief from the pain. Thanks.

[Linda25]

Hi Ginger

I'm sorry, but I have no experience with this particular drug - I know some people with migraines who take it at times, but I haven't heard it used for Fibro, and actually it seems (to me, I'm not a doctor) a bit extreme to be using for fibro

I know that steroid drugs can have a lot of bad side effects, one of them for women is osteoporosis.

Wt. gain is also a common side effect

Can you get into see an arthritis specialist? (Rheumatologist). I have heard it said that Fibro FEELS like an inflammatory disease, but there is no true inflammation, so drugs like NSAIDS (and steroids too, I would presume) don't help. Since learning that I stopped using NSAIDS and have been using enteric coated aspirin with some slight improvement.

Since you had good luck with Wellbutrin in the past, maybe the doctor would agree to put you back on that (I take that also) I can understand their reluctance to Rx Ritalin - I used to get Provigil for my fatigue and it was VERY helpful, but now my doctors won't let me have it (I moved and have all new docs) Seems that many docs shy away from the stimulants even if they DO help.

Could you get a hold of your old medical records? this might help

good luck to you, I hope you find relief soon

Linda25

[Tootsie]

Ginger, has any diagnostic work been done? Is it possible that you have developed some other condition of the auto immune variety? Prednisolone is a form of cortisone and usually not used for fibromyalgia. However, it is very frequently used for auto immune disease in a suppressive dose which is then tapered gradually. The fact that it has been effective makes me wonder why.

Since you have already taken the prednisolone, I would continue taking it and gradually taper the dose as the doctor recommended. Any abupt interuption of dosing might cause a worsening flare. Such is the nature of cortisone type drugs.

Is it possible that the combination of climate change AND increase in activiy are the source of your new symptoms? England can be very cold and damp and that type of weather causes me no end of aches and pains. One advantage is that the people in UK really have wonderful products to keep warm, including cups of tea! :)

You might try writing a letter to your former doctors and ask them for a summary of their treatment of your symptoms that you could ask them to send to your current doctor. The MD in the NHC system may have some way to order your former medications with that kind of input from your former MD.
It's worth a try. Cheerio.

[Tootsie]

Ginger, I forgot! Alexander Technique has been very helpful to me. It originated in England and my instructor told me it was covered under the NHC. Cheerio.

[artist]

One of my aunts was dx with Polymyalgia. I have Fibro, but just had a doctor tell me I have Poly......
My aunt was treated with prednisone for it, and it helped her. The symptoms are quite similar to fibro......
Check it out with your doctor. It's possible to have more than one condition.

[Ginger]

Thanks for all the responses. It turns out the doctor treated me for PMR thinking it was the same as FM. Even though I kept telling him I had FM he only referred to it as polymyalgia. The week of prednisolone (15mg daily) did help me but I am happy to say I won't be taking them any longer as I saw another doctor who knew the difference between FM and PMR. I have asked to try Cymbalta and will have to wait till Monday to find out if it's possible. If not I will try Citalopram. Hopefully one of these meds will work for me.

[Linda25]

Good luck Ginger

let us know how things work out

Linda25

[Ginger]

I found out today the drug Cymbalta was not approved for use here in the treatment of FM so I was given Cipralex instead (10 mg daily). I have decided to give it a try and will start a new thread as I'd like to know if others have taken it and if it has helped them.