Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

I've never had the symptoms you are describing, but that doesn't mean anything. Prednisone can do different things to different people. But, you might want to ask about your gall bladder, as a friend of mine was just diagnosed with a diseased gall bladder and she had the same symptoms you are describing. Her symptoms started as mild and kept getting worse. So if it continues, check with your doctor.

Ok, I will do that, thank you!

Actually, i am very familiar with this. but the pain you are having in your chest and going through your back, you may end up having to have your gall bladder removed. I still have bad heartburn, but if you drink lots of water and eat a piece of bread slowly, that usually always helps me. I've had my gall bladder removed already and i'm so thankful because i ended up getting gall stones and it feels like a heart attack!
Again, drink plenty of water when you feel the heartburn come on and try to eat some crackers or bed to absorb the acid. The theory is that if your stomach is empty, it allows the acid to start eating away at your esophagus and causing bad heartburn. Same goes if you are not getting enough liquids.

oops, bread not bed lol

Thank you Renee, I see my GP tuesday, I will see what he says about the gallbladder, it makes sense.

And I will up the water and eat crackers or bread!

Oh, nuthin' ain't easy with this disorder! I am beginning to have dysphagia (digestive problems) and so my rheumatologist has me fixed up with a gastroenterologist to check it out. With the underlying disease and all the medications that go with it, digestive problems are on the list of things to watch for. Talking to your doctor is an excellent idea . . . expecially since you have some cardiac involvement. I am not sure how to distinguish between the symptoms, but hopefully your doc will track it down.

Blessings, Kathy

The advice I've always read is that if you have chest pain, call 911. I'd say, at least contact your doctor.

I've been on prednisone for a month and for the last 2 weeks I've had a constant heartburn feeling which is almost like a sore throat trying to erupt. I've begun the tapering process so I'm hoping that alleviates the feeling at some point. I drink tons of water but I'll also try renee's bread suggestion.
Good luck and peace to all.

I don't have the burning reflux feeling like with my normal heartburn, that's why I was concerned, sounds like gallbladder may be the issue, we'll see next week!

And Kathy, you said it, nuthin easy about this disorder AT ALL!!

Hugs to you all, and hopes for a great today!

I had to have my gallbladder removed 4 months after I was first diagnosed with DM. I was having terrible pain on my right side and could eat next to nothing. My ultrasound and CT came up relatively clean but then an ER doc ordered a "HIDA Scan" which found my gallbladder was only functioning at 19%. Anything under 35% is considered bad enough to remove it. My docs tried to say that it had nothing to do with my DM but the pathology report showed chronic inflammation. Coincidence? I think not. :)