Had been diagnosed with the arthritis a few years ago and have never felt it in feet or hands before, but now wondering if the steroids have masked it. Should reducing steroid by 1 mg have a really noticeable effect like this ?
Reducing steroids for Polymyalgia. Dow to 4mg fro... - LUPUS UK
Reducing steroids for Polymyalgia. Dow to 4mg from 5mg and don't know if it's that or not but osteoarthritis flaring up.
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Hi Briagh, the fact that we have to reduce a mg at a time below 5, is for a reason. Our bods need to make their own hydrocortisone, so slowly is the safest way. Therefore 1mg could be that difference. But I suspect it may be coincidence that you were going to flare anyway, and for most people, upping the steroids is the treatment. So you are in a catch 22 situation. Of course your Drs should advise as I am only guessing. Maybe raising another of your meds or introducing a new one may be the answer. It is so hard once your body relies on the steroids, but for me they are a necessary evil. Don't sit and suffer over the weekend. Try to see your GP tomorrow. Take care.
Yes the steroids have that but on the plus your body will get used to lower level but it does take a bit of time .
Hi Briagh. I have osteoarthritis and have suffered with it for over 20 years. I have had a hip replacement with bone grafts and most of my other joints are affected. I find that it is worse in wet weather as the joints stiffen more and the pain gets worse so it could be a coincidence that it has happened as you are reducing your steroids.Hope you don't suffer for too long before it settles x