Hi warriors š Hope you're all having a lovely Christmas š
I'm currently on a tapering dose of prednisolone for RA inflammation and hurt my back this morning š
It might sound a daft question but should I still apply heat packs to my back while taking the pred? I can't call my gp to ask as it's the Christmas break.
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EnglishRose63
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Thanks gnarli.. I'm so fed up of not knowing which pain is inflammation and which isn't šThe prednisolone is helping my bursitis but don't know if bursitis is caused by RA.
You might be able to find a pharmacy that is open today and ask the pharmacist but to be honest I would use a heat pack - not too hot though or you could also try a chill pack and see whether heating or chilling works best.
You could always try a Deep Freeze gel or spray or Bio Freeze or something like Pernatron gel to rub on.
Assuming you are able to take them, Iād also take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain but again you could ask the pharmacist about that.
Just looked up this best to check with your doctor - Iām sure even if you canāt get to speak to them you could leave a message and get someone to reply
āDon't take anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen while you're taking prednisolone, unless they've been prescribed by your doctor. This type of painkiller may increase the risk of side effects on the gut, such as stomach ulceration and bleeding.ā
Iām not sure ibuprofen goes with asthma either but my GP prescribed it for me the week before Christmas! Iām still living but Iām not keen on taking it.
Iām on life long prednisolone and have AS. My rheumatologist is happy for me to use heat packs. I see no reason not too. You are just really encouraging blood supply into the tissues.
Oh yes! Couldnāt do without heat on my back. Have had RA for over 33 years and the only comfort and joy is my heated back pad! If your injury is acute you may want to ice it alternately with warmth but thereās absolutely no contra-indications to warmth as long as you donāt scald yourself. Hope it eases soon!
Oh gosh yes! Have had everything known to science and then some, or so it seems! Am currently only on 10 mgs of prednisolone as I await my second jak inhibitor following an in-between biologic which failed horribly leaving me feeling foul. Heat still the best thing!!
Iāve never been advised not to use heat packs when taking pred in the past. Iāve had occasions when only a hot water bottle would help or at least ease things a little. As long as itās not too hot. If you can as an alternative and you have a bath then have a good soak to loosen you up or if not a long warm shower. I hope you feel better soon. Iām no longer on pred but Iām sure youāll be fine with some rest but if you can keep mobile too so you donāt stiffen up because a bad back is made worse for me if I sit for too long however much it hurts. As another reply said though ask a pharmacist because theyāre usually available for advice when docs arenāt available.
Thanks Leics.. its tiring trying to find a good solution isn't it? I'm not wanting to stay on pred long so I'm just doing the tapering course for a week.
make sure you taper the pred. Slowly donāt do it quickly itās a very bad idea when you can speak to your rheumatologist and get advice from them but if youāve been on it a long time you have to take many weeks to come off it or it could be dangerous as your body could stop producing cortisone with devastating results. If youāve only had a short course then it shouldnāt be too much of a problem but ALWAYS seek advice before reducing prednisone.
Iāve used various heat pads when on pred and wasnāt told not to. Heat and ice is what is often recommended for us by rheumys but check with your doctors if you have other reasons you shouldnāt be using heat.
Pred should take down any inflammation.Your knee incline the knee and always always massage the knee with strokes upwards to reduce the inflammation up your body. Never massage downwards or it goes to your feet. Hope this helps.
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