After scopes and a CT scan revealed nothing beyond oesphugus reflex, consultant today prescribed 20 mg Prednisolone for suspected polymyalgia. (Originally referred because I was presented with anaemic symptoms including lethargy & weariness and there was no obvious cause.) I am in a lot of pain - most of it muscular, all over - neck, pelvis, legs especially. But I also have abdo pain - often sharp and generalised, but often upper right. He said this was a different issue & didn't take it any further.
Went off for more bloods - this time to investigate possible levels of inflammatory markers. In the meantime, and in case it's a case of polymyalgia, he prescribed 20 g of this steroid daily. And a follow up in 2 weeks to see if things have improved.
I'm worried because of the abdo pain - might the steroids make it worse? Also, because at this stage, it's a hunch (blood results pending). He didn't examine me at all - just heard what I had to say. Have looked online at possible side-effects. One that I'm naturally concerned about is weight gain & redistribution of fat to the face. I know that's relatively unimportant and really I'm more worried about the possible effect on the near constant abdo pain.
Would I be mad to unilaterally take 15 mg a day instead of 20? 20 seems a lot to start with, especially as the doctor wasn't sure - not till the bloods are back.
One other thing - should I tell my employer at this stage? Or wait until my work is likely to be effected? I don't have the most sympathetic of bosses so I'm minded to wait awhile.
Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions.