General Medical issues thread

[SuePa]

My mum was on steroi_s for just over 2 years for temporal arteritis. We were very lucky that the doctor in emergency (I think) recognised it and started her on the steroi_s before it had been formally diagnosed. He said it would take away the debilitating pain if it was TA and not do any damage, short term, if it turned out not to be TA.
She was on a heavy dosage for quite a while and her face blew up like a soccer ball, but it was better than going blind! She was gradually weaned off it and still has her kidneys and liver monitored 8-10 years later, but her eyesight is fine and it hasn't returned (so far). A good side effect that she is happy about, is that it left her with curly hair, which she had never had before.

 

[cove]

My post steroi_ symptoms started the day after I stopped the heavy dosage of prednisolone.
Now to fix the chest infection I took Ciproxin that i had from a trip to the US during the anthrax scare. That worked quickly.

 

[prozac]

A neighbour has just been singing the praises if something called Nattokinase Supplement. Tells me it breaks down fibrin (blood clotting), scarring and thins blood, etc, etc.
Got me thinking about the scar tissue from my heart attacks. Thoughts?

 

[drron]

My post steroi_ symptoms started the day after I stopped the heavy dosage of prednisolone.
Now to fix the chest infection I took Ciproxin that i had from a trip to the US during the anthrax scare. That worked quickly.

Though the symptoms you had are not typical withdrawal symptoms from any drug but can be the side effects of high dose steroi_s - roid rage. And I have seen it come on a day or 2 after a short high dose course.

 

[Quickstatus]

day after I stopped the heavy dosage of prednisolone.

Yes still in your system. Effect lasts days

High dose steroi_ for weeks will shut down your body's own steroi_ (glucocorticoid) production. Once shut down you are dependant on the steroi_s you swallow. Then when you stop the steroi_ you swallow you body can't ramp up it's own supply making you deficient in glucocorticoid with all the associated symptoms - malaise, lethargy, headaches, low mood, insomnia, joint pain. In these cases, need to withdraw slowly to allow your adrenals to ramp up supply.

Sometimes when people are on long term steroi_s, and they suddenly get sick, or they need an operation a similar problem of glucorticoid deficiency arises. The amount of steroi_ in their system is not enough. Usually the adrenal glands produce glucocorticoid dynamically depending on need. A body under physiological stress needs more and adrenals shut down from external steroi_s can't produce more. This is really bad physiologically and Drs often give a top dose of steroi_ to compensate in those situations.

 

[Quickstatus]

syringe driver

They are excellent. Small portable battery operated. Can fit in handbag. Tube goes into cannula under the skin.

Often the syringe contains a mix of medicines.

They are not expensive in the scheme of things

 

[Katie]

Teen has been diagnosed with pleurisy. Think we got onto it early, just got to get them to keep up with anti-inflams. No particular signs of viral or bacterial infection, but I have a script for antibiotics if appropriate symptoms develop to warrant using them. Poor chook.

 

[mrsterryn]

Teen has been diagnosed with pleurisy. Think we got onto it early, just got to get them to keep up with anti-inflams. No particular signs of viral or bacterial infection, but I have a script for antibiotics if appropriate symptoms develop to warrant using them. Poor chook.

Oh your poor baby. I had that day two post partum. They weren't sure what the heck I had . Said baby is almost forty and I still remember the agony of pleurisy and I was in hospital with access to medications

 

[RooFlyer]

After my vitrectomy (retinal reattachment) 2 years ago, then the forecast consequent cataract and lens replacement a year ago, I've developed the also forecast lens capsule deterioration, resulting in deterioration of my post-cataract perfect long vision in that eye.

Currently in eye surgeon's waiting room, about to get a laser blasted into my eye to make a hole in the capsule "to let the light through". They put a cross of pinpricks in the capsule causing it to tear and the 4 flaps then 'retract back'.

Fortunately my eye guy is one of the best medical practitioners I have come across in my life ( and there have been a few ), so I'm pretty relaxed.

 

[RooFlyer]

Well that was an anticlimax. I was expecting a big room with liquid nitrogen hissing out of cooling coils, white lab coated technicians running about, klaxtons going off as they counted down to laser 'fire!' etc.

What did I get? A little thing on a trolly wheeled into his office and in front of me - usual chin on the chin holder thing etc, a drop in the eye, something else, then 10-12 clicks. Not so much as a flash of light!

You'd think they would come up with a bit more theatre to make the fee more justified! Actually, my out of pocket is about $150. All amazing.

 

[prozac]

Well that was an anticlimax. I was expecting a big room with liquid nitrogen hissing out of cooling coils, white lab coated technicians running about, klaxtons going off as they counted down to laser 'fire!' etc.

What did I get? A little thing on a trolly wheeled into his office and in front of me - usual chin on the chin holder thing etc, a drop in the eye, something else, then 10-12 clicks. Not so much as a flash of light!

You'd think they would come up with a bit more theatre to make the fee more justified! Actually, my out of pocket is about $150. All amazing.

Not even a piece of dry ice in a cup of water?

 

[RooFlyer]

Not even a piece of dry ice in a cup of water?

Yes, that would have been more exciting.

 

[love_the_life]

Teen has been diagnosed with pleurisy. Think we got onto it early, just got to get them to keep up with anti-inflams. No particular signs of viral or bacterial infection, but I have a script for antibiotics if appropriate symptoms develop to warrant using them. Poor chook.

Hope the anti inflammatories do the trick and she is on the mend soon. Poor thing.

 

[Quickstatus]

Well that was an anticlimax. I was expecting a big room

At least the rooms (I am taking a punt) did not have a pink grand piano and chandeliers

then 10-12 clicks

I initially read it as 10-12 chicks. Maybe I need to go to SpecSavers

 

[RooFlyer]

Not even a piece of dry ice in a cup of water?

And 24 hrs later, I have regained unaided perfect long vision in that eye. Bloom'n marvellous treatment.

 

[Quickstatus]

Bloom'n marvellous treatment

when I encounter patients who are effusively happy, I ask them if they are still under the influence of the jab.

 

[RooFlyer]

when I encounter patients who are effusively happy, I ask them if they are still under the influence of the jab.

 

[Pushka]

when I encounter patients who are effusively happy, I ask them if they are still under the influence of the jab.

Or the amazing effects of steroi_s with PMR.

 

[Pushka]

It will be interesting to see the research in future years of whether onset or recurrence of autoimmune illnesses are linked with both Covid vaccination and Covid infection. The left upper arm pain reaction and mobility issue I experienced post Moderna vaccination mimics the feeling in now both upper arms with PMR. And then of course a month later actual but asymptomatic Covid infection.

 

[Pushka]

So it’s been four weeks on steroi_ now and I start to taper down tomorrow. Two jumps for first two months then just 1mg down each month. So if all goes to plan, 13 months cycle. Have to take a blood test every month and just did the first.

I was very aware of side effects so have been very careful of managing hunger. And now I have to have something for breakfast. I dont do breakfast unless I’m on holidays. Anyway I’ve been so careful and have a good diet now and I’ve lost a kilo! Go figure. I’m keeping my beard under control too. . Kidding.

But I’m so much better than where I was four weeks ago. I still know I have it. I still have morning stiffness. I do get the occasional jab. I’m still not quite as mobile as I was and have lost a bit of confidence. I actually let MrP do some things now. That surprised him.