HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Have Pacemaker For A Fib. Taken Prednisone For Lower Back Pain. Suggestions?

I just had a pacemaker put in on July 2 and was released within a day and everything with the pacemaker is working properly. Prior to having been diagnosed with the A Fib and having to have the pacemaker installed, I was taking prednisone for lower back pain, for a short time. Upon release from the hospital, I was told to stop taking the prednisone. Today I saw my regular doctor regarding my back pain and he prescribed prednisone again for me for 2 weeks and I am confused as to why the hospital would say to stop taking the prednisone and then my regular doctor would say it is okay to start taking it again. I do not want to take the prednisone if it will have a reaction wih my heart or my pacemaker. I do plan on contacting my cardiologist on Monday morning when they open as it is now after hours. My prescription for the prednisone is waiting at my pharmacy. My family i concerned about the difference of opinions. Suggestions? Should I wait to do anything until talking with my cardiologist?
Tue, 16 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Prednisolone is a steroid and its dosage needs to be closely supervised in all patients. High doses of prednisolone is associate with the possibility of developing atrial fibrillation. Steroids doses should always be tapered slowly from a higher dose to a lower dose and then stopped.

As you have been given prednisolone for backache, I suggest you have a discussion with your cardiologist regarding taking steroids and the recommended dosages. This is because your treating heart condition (atrial fibrillation) is more important than your back ache at the moment.

You could ask your regular doctor for any alternative pain relievers like oral or ointments having non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) considering the pace maker and atrial fibrillation you have had earlier.

Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Backache


Loading Online Doctors....
Have Pacemaker For A Fib. Taken Prednisone For Lower Back Pain. Suggestions?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Prednisolone is a steroid and its dosage needs to be closely supervised in all patients. High doses of prednisolone is associate with the possibility of developing atrial fibrillation. Steroids doses should always be tapered slowly from a higher dose to a lower dose and then stopped. As you have been given prednisolone for backache, I suggest you have a discussion with your cardiologist regarding taking steroids and the recommended dosages. This is because your treating heart condition (atrial fibrillation) is more important than your back ache at the moment. You could ask your regular doctor for any alternative pain relievers like oral or ointments having non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) considering the pace maker and atrial fibrillation you have had earlier. Hope this helps.