Rheumatoid arthritis

[Rob Oldfield]

Hi all,

Today I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I won't go into the whole 'beginnings of' story but it's been quite a nasty and painful ride. Saw a lovely consultant today and he's prescribed methotrexate for me with steroids for a while as that kicks in. He also mentioned that moving onto this regime can cause issues with amounts of insulin required. Does anyone have any experience with how it did effect (or not effect) you?

I will be contacting my HCP to mention it and ask if they have any advice, but just wondering what other people's experience is?

 

[Proud to be erratic]

I had to take steroids for 3 days after each of my chemo treatments, almost 5 yrs ago. They markedly elevated my BG and my DSN had me raise my twice daily Levermir by about 20% as well as needing bigger and frequent NR correction doses. I had no CGM then, so I was fairly blind to the fuller picture.

I understand elevated BG is an expectation - but not an absolute certainty. As is frequently said "we are all different".

 

[trophywench]

My husband has always put on weight with steroids - from 12.5 stone to 18.5. Have witnessed him gain half a stone in a week at times which ain't good when it's almost constant chest infections on top of COPD that needs the steroids and ABs. (so he can't take exercise, gets too out of breath walking down our hall most days.)

 

[saffron15]

I have twice in the last year had steroids. Only a two week course before and after a cataract op because I have uveitis inflammation in the eye an autoimmune disease. Fortunately flares are only every two years. My BG did increase a bit but certainly the first time and probably the second time I was stressed. I really hope the medical profession finds a dose which relieves your pain and maintains your BG

 

[Rob Oldfield]

I had to take steroids for 3 days after each of my chemo treatments, almost 5 yrs ago. They markedly elevated my BG and my DSN had me raise my twice daily Levermir by about 20% as well as needing bigger and frequent NR correction doses. I had no CGM then, so I was fairly blind to the fuller picture.

I understand elevated BG is an expectation - but not an absolute certainty. As is frequently said "we are all different".

Turns out that, for me, it means massively increased insulin needs. I'm on a pump, have basically doubled the amount of insulin I'm taking, and that's still having a problem getting my sugar level below 10. The good news is that I'm only on them for three weeks with the dosage dropping each week while the main arthritis drug (methotrexate) kicks in.

 

[Rob Oldfield]

My husband has always put on weight with steroids - from 12.5 stone to 18.5. Have witnessed him gain half a stone in a week at times which ain't good when it's almost constant chest infections on top of COPD that needs the steroids and ABs. (so he can't take exercise, gets too out of breath walking down our hall most days.)

Thanks for the info. As I mentioned in last reply, I'm only on them for 3 weeks and also I'm pretty slim so doubt it'll be a major issue. Will keep an eye on weight now as well though.

 

[Rob Oldfield]

I have twice in the last year had steroids. Only a two week course before and after a cataract op because I have uveitis inflammation in the eye an autoimmune disease. Fortunately flares are only every two years. My BG did increase a bit but certainly the first time and probably the second time I was stressed. I really hope the medical profession finds a dose which relieves your pain and maintains your BG

It's doing a really good job at the pain relief so far, and I'll definitely take that for 3 weeks.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

@Pumper_Sue has successfully managed long-term steroid use for Addisons alongside insulin therapy I think?

Hope you can find adjustments that work for you