Reducing steroids for Polymyalgia. Dow to 4mg from 5mg and don't know if it's that or not but osteoarthritis flaring up.

[Briagh]

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 ?

[Hidden]

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.

[Pinned]

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 .

[janann]

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