I have had MC for the past 5 years and have for the most part been able to live symptom free following a gluten and dairy free diet ( a slight relapse here and there). I have recently been diagnosed with Polymyalgia. They would like to start me on a regime of prednisone. There are about 50 reasons I do not want to go on prednisone. This may sound silly but has anyone heard about using budesonide to treat polymyalgia? I took one round of that at the very onset of MC and was able to tolerate it very well. Any insight additional information
would be very much appreciated.
Prednisone
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Hello Kristi,
Welcome to our Internet family. I totally agree with you — prednisone is not a nice drug to be taking. But I doubt that your doctors would be willing to prescribe budesonide to treat polymyalgia because research shows that only about 20 % of budesonide is absorbed into the bloodstream. Polymyalgia is a systemic problem, so that means that only about 20 % of the budesonide you take would be available to treat systemic symptoms. The low rate of systemic absorption is why budesonide is so beneficial for treating IBDs — 80 % of it stays in the gut, where it's needed. Prednisone, by contrast, is pretty much all systemic, and that's why it has so many adverse side effects, compared with budesonide.
But if I were in that situation, before I even considered prednisone, I would try taking a good magnesium supplement. Magnesium deficiency causes the same symptoms as the syndromes that doctors call fibromyalgia and polymyalgia. It's claimed by some authorities that chronic magnesium deficiency is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. So it's very likely that it's also sometimes misdiagnosed as polymyalgia.
IBDs cause magnesium deficiency, and many of us were magnesium deficient before we even developed MC because our genetics prevent us from absorbing magnesium normally. Because of that, most of us have to take magnesium supplements in order to absorb enough magnesium to prevent symptoms. Research shows that magnesium relaxes muscles and resolves the pain that's often associated with magnesium deficiency.
Most of us take chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate) because it's well absorbed and not as likely to act as a laxative as some forms of magnesium. Never take magnesium oxide for example, because we can only absorb about 2 % of the magnesium in magnesium oxide, and the rest mixes with water in the gut to form magnesium hydroxide, which is also known as milk of magnesia — a laxative. But soaking one's feet in Epsom salts is also a good way to absorb magnesium without causing any digestive symptoms. Some members here add Epsom salts to bath water to get an even stronger effect, and that might be the best option for treating polymyalgia. Others use magnesium oil or magnesium lotion on their skin, applying it directly to the areas that are painful or tense. All of those should help to resolve the symptoms of polymyalgia, so I would seriously give those treatments a chance to work before trying a powerful drug.
As you are well aware, most drugs only treat the symptoms, not the cause of the symptoms. If magnesium deficiency is the cause of the symptoms, then the logical treatment would be magnesium. If magnesium doesn't help after a while, then you may need to consider other options (including prednisone), but hopefully you won't need to go that far.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our Internet family. I totally agree with you — prednisone is not a nice drug to be taking. But I doubt that your doctors would be willing to prescribe budesonide to treat polymyalgia because research shows that only about 20 % of budesonide is absorbed into the bloodstream. Polymyalgia is a systemic problem, so that means that only about 20 % of the budesonide you take would be available to treat systemic symptoms. The low rate of systemic absorption is why budesonide is so beneficial for treating IBDs — 80 % of it stays in the gut, where it's needed. Prednisone, by contrast, is pretty much all systemic, and that's why it has so many adverse side effects, compared with budesonide.
But if I were in that situation, before I even considered prednisone, I would try taking a good magnesium supplement. Magnesium deficiency causes the same symptoms as the syndromes that doctors call fibromyalgia and polymyalgia. It's claimed by some authorities that chronic magnesium deficiency is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. So it's very likely that it's also sometimes misdiagnosed as polymyalgia.
IBDs cause magnesium deficiency, and many of us were magnesium deficient before we even developed MC because our genetics prevent us from absorbing magnesium normally. Because of that, most of us have to take magnesium supplements in order to absorb enough magnesium to prevent symptoms. Research shows that magnesium relaxes muscles and resolves the pain that's often associated with magnesium deficiency.
Most of us take chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate) because it's well absorbed and not as likely to act as a laxative as some forms of magnesium. Never take magnesium oxide for example, because we can only absorb about 2 % of the magnesium in magnesium oxide, and the rest mixes with water in the gut to form magnesium hydroxide, which is also known as milk of magnesia — a laxative. But soaking one's feet in Epsom salts is also a good way to absorb magnesium without causing any digestive symptoms. Some members here add Epsom salts to bath water to get an even stronger effect, and that might be the best option for treating polymyalgia. Others use magnesium oil or magnesium lotion on their skin, applying it directly to the areas that are painful or tense. All of those should help to resolve the symptoms of polymyalgia, so I would seriously give those treatments a chance to work before trying a powerful drug.
As you are well aware, most drugs only treat the symptoms, not the cause of the symptoms. If magnesium deficiency is the cause of the symptoms, then the logical treatment would be magnesium. If magnesium doesn't help after a while, then you may need to consider other options (including prednisone), but hopefully you won't need to go that far.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Tex,
Thank you so much for your prompt and helpful response. Having researched muscle aches on this website I started using Doctors Best High Absorption 100% chelated Magnesium-dose 200 mgs. once per day about a week ago, I would say I've had less really bad days, may be wishful thinking.
I spent two days at Rochester Mayo this past week. The markers for inflammation in one test were high but within the normal range. The other maker ( forgive me, I got this over the phone from the spine clinic Dr. and do not have any specifics in front of me) showed a slightly elevated maker for inflamation. Does this make sense?Please forgive my ignorance.
A couple more questions:
Have many others with MC been diagnosed with Polymyalgia only to discover that it's a magnesium deficiency. I'm concerned as it is another auto immune condition.
Also, is my current magnesium the correct type? Magnesium dosage correct?
Many thanks as you are the one bright spot in my day of research.
Thank you so much for your prompt and helpful response. Having researched muscle aches on this website I started using Doctors Best High Absorption 100% chelated Magnesium-dose 200 mgs. once per day about a week ago, I would say I've had less really bad days, may be wishful thinking.
I spent two days at Rochester Mayo this past week. The markers for inflammation in one test were high but within the normal range. The other maker ( forgive me, I got this over the phone from the spine clinic Dr. and do not have any specifics in front of me) showed a slightly elevated maker for inflamation. Does this make sense?Please forgive my ignorance.
A couple more questions:
Have many others with MC been diagnosed with Polymyalgia only to discover that it's a magnesium deficiency. I'm concerned as it is another auto immune condition.
Also, is my current magnesium the correct type? Magnesium dosage correct?
Many thanks as you are the one bright spot in my day of research.
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Kristi
welcome
to reiterate what Tex has replied above, a few years ago I had chronic fibromyalgia. resolving magnesium deficiency has fixed majority of those issues.
it took me about 6 months to fix the magnesium deficiency.
I used mostly topical magnesium oil - i had it in small spray bottles around the house;
- one in the toilet, spray tops of legs when i went to the toilet
- one by the bed, would spray shoulders, neck, stomach, legs before bed, first thing in the morning and if i woke through the night.
- one near computer, spray arms, stomach etc
doing frequent applications through out the day like this - I was getting about 600-800mg elemental magnesium per day via this method.
at times it can dry a bit chalky on your skin, after 20 mins just wipe that off.
there is no risk of D issues using topical magnesium and cost effectiveness, it works out very reasonable per mg of elemental magnesium - compared to the MC friendly oral versions.
I also agree with Tex, I would encourage you to give magnesium a fair chance for a couple of months, and if no improvement then consider medication options.
hope this helps
welcome
to reiterate what Tex has replied above, a few years ago I had chronic fibromyalgia. resolving magnesium deficiency has fixed majority of those issues.
it took me about 6 months to fix the magnesium deficiency.
I used mostly topical magnesium oil - i had it in small spray bottles around the house;
- one in the toilet, spray tops of legs when i went to the toilet
- one by the bed, would spray shoulders, neck, stomach, legs before bed, first thing in the morning and if i woke through the night.
- one near computer, spray arms, stomach etc
doing frequent applications through out the day like this - I was getting about 600-800mg elemental magnesium per day via this method.
at times it can dry a bit chalky on your skin, after 20 mins just wipe that off.
there is no risk of D issues using topical magnesium and cost effectiveness, it works out very reasonable per mg of elemental magnesium - compared to the MC friendly oral versions.
I also agree with Tex, I would encourage you to give magnesium a fair chance for a couple of months, and if no improvement then consider medication options.
hope this helps
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
do you mean blood test inflammation markers?
when my MC was flaring, no inflammation markers
when fibro was bad I also had moderate to severe renal impairment based on ESR and CRP blood tests results
since fixing nutrient deficiencies and lowering inflammation I have not had any kidney/renal issues since
main things I took were magnesium, P5P (active form of B6), CoQ10
when my MC was flaring, no inflammation markers
when fibro was bad I also had moderate to severe renal impairment based on ESR and CRP blood tests results
since fixing nutrient deficiencies and lowering inflammation I have not had any kidney/renal issues since
main things I took were magnesium, P5P (active form of B6), CoQ10
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Hi Kristi,
Polymyalgia is rarely mentioned on this forum. Yes, that's the type of magnesium that most of us take. However, most of us take 2 to 3 times that much, or the equivalent by using topical applications. Also, I hope that you have noticed that in order to get the 200 mg dose listed on the front label, you have to take 2 tablets, not 1. IOW, it only contains 100 mg per tablet, so the "serving size" to get the dose listed on the label is 2 tablets. I take 6 tablets per day, spaced out during the day following meals.
Regarding magnesium and inflammation: If you are referring to inflammation measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), magnesium reduces CRP levels. Here's an abstract of a published medical research article to substantiate that claim:
Tex
Polymyalgia is rarely mentioned on this forum. Yes, that's the type of magnesium that most of us take. However, most of us take 2 to 3 times that much, or the equivalent by using topical applications. Also, I hope that you have noticed that in order to get the 200 mg dose listed on the front label, you have to take 2 tablets, not 1. IOW, it only contains 100 mg per tablet, so the "serving size" to get the dose listed on the label is 2 tablets. I take 6 tablets per day, spaced out during the day following meals.
Regarding magnesium and inflammation: If you are referring to inflammation measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), magnesium reduces CRP levels. Here's an abstract of a published medical research article to substantiate that claim:
Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels.Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Current dietary guidelines recommend adequate intake of magnesium (310-420 mg daily) in order to maintain health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that magnesium may be associated with inflammatory processes. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary magnesium consumption is associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in a nationally representative sample.
METHODS:
Analysis of adult (greater than or equal to 17 years) participants in a cross-sectional nationally representative survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 [NHANES]) who were not taking magnesium or magnesium-containing supplements. The primary outcome measure was high sensitivity CRP (elevated greater than or equal to 3.0 mg/L).
RESULTS:
Among US adults, 68% consumed less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, and 19% consumed less than 50% of the RDA. After controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, adults who consumed less than the RDA of magnesium were 1.48-1.75 times more likely to have elevated CRP than adults who consumed more than or equal to the RDA (Odds Ratio [OR] for intake less than 50% RDA = 1.75, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.08-2.87). Adults who were over age 40 with a BMI greater than 25 and who consumed less than 50% of the RDA for magnesium were 2.24 times more likely to have elevated CRP (95% CI 1.13-4.46) than adults taking less than or equal to the RDA.
CONCLUSIONS:
Most Americans consume magnesium at levels below the RDA. Individuals with intakes below the RDA are more likely to have elevated CRP, which may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I had a very postive experience with prednisone the first time I took it at the onset on my MC. Years later, I was put on it again and had an awful time with many side effects. I have never been the same since including my sleep. The never being the same part is most likely attributed to other health issues but the timing of it all leaves me with an aversion to any thoughts of the drug. In some cases it may be unavoidable but I'd want to try the magnesium first.
My son has been on prednisone for quite some time (non MC issues) and it scares the heck out of me. Everyone has different experiences but it should not be taken lightly. The second time around, prednisone did not even help control my D. That, of course, is just my experience.
I have found magnesium to be helpful with my fibro symptoms and leg cramping at night. I also take LDN which has been a life saver in reducing/eliminating the pain.
Best wishes in finding relief.
My son has been on prednisone for quite some time (non MC issues) and it scares the heck out of me. Everyone has different experiences but it should not be taken lightly. The second time around, prednisone did not even help control my D. That, of course, is just my experience.
I have found magnesium to be helpful with my fibro symptoms and leg cramping at night. I also take LDN which has been a life saver in reducing/eliminating the pain.
Best wishes in finding relief.
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease