Back and shoulder pain.

[Adah]

Has anyone ever gone through what am going through at the moment? Was diagnosed of SLE in July this year. Been on hydroxylcholoroquinne and prednisone. My rheumatologist suggested I tamper off pred from 20mgs daily to 10mgs. Now am in terrible pain. Especially my shoulder and back. My ankle that stopped swelling has swelling again.

[Tonk]

Hello Adah

Usually, when reducing Prednisone, the reduction or tapering of the dose is in small amounts over a period of time. For example, I started off on 30mg a day and reduced this dose by 5mg every two weeks however, once my dose was down to 15mg, my symptoms returned very quickly.

I telephoned my Rheumy help line and was advised to increase the dose back up to 20mg and to discuss it with my consultant at my next appointment.

To cut a long story short, I have been reducing my dose by 1mg a month following the aforementioned consultation. I also take hydroxylcholoroquinne and azathioprine. My meds have been changed a few times but, it looks likely I shall need steroids for the foreseeable future.

I suggest you telephone your rheumy department for guidance if you can.

Some people cannot reduce their dose below 10 or 15mgs without a return of the symptoms.

It is important that you chat to your professional team about this because, on here we are not qualified to give real medical advice.

One user of this site (PMRpro) is very switched on to coming off steroids, hopefully they'll see your post and reply.

Good luck.

[Adah in reply to Tonk]

Thanks Tonk. I guess I have to go back to the hospital to see my rheumatologist. I really hope for a cure.