Pretty exhausted on no Pred + blood results.

[IdasMum]

Day 6 no Pred...and blood results are in.

CRP = 14.3 (highest reading so far)

ESR 18 & 41 (a little higher than April reading just after a 6 day course of high dose of Pred)

Interestingly bi-lateral pain is not really there...pain now and again in left wrist. Index fingers are sore as are thumbs where I have arthritis.

I have an Ultrasound appointment this evening and then a return to the Rheumy to find out what she thinks.

I am finding every day activity exhausting at times and after a day of increased activity feel much weaker next day. Those days of coming down the stairs properly are long past as are the days of lifting and manipulating heavy objects....am asking for much more help again.

Roll on Tuesday (although I am not sure my markers are all in place now and I really don't want to be on steroids).

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If the choice is pain or pred - I know which I would choose!

But maybe she'll decide it is something else that would respond better to something else. I am looking forward to the verdict.

[raymck]

Welcome to Club Zero! It's not pain free but like the other post today says you either get better or bitter! Good luck with it and keep us posted.

[paulst955]

Just had a look at your posts you where only diagnosed with PMR 4 months ago I am still trying to get off steroids after 4 plus years. At present on 6mg after about 3 major flare ups caused by going up and down to quickly on doctors advice. I'm doing it very slowly now only reducing when it does not hurt its my body not the doctors. if you continue to reduce your steroids like you have been doing you are in for years and years of pain. I think you should read other posts on here about withdrawing slowly.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to paulst955]

IdasMum has not reduced her pred dose to zero because PMR has gone - she has reduced it under her new doctor's instructions because the doctor wants to see her symptoms without pred interfering. PMR can present very similarly to other things - and pred clouds the view.

That is a very different thing - and she is very well aware of the risks of speedy pred withdrawal!

[IdasMum]

Thanks PMRpro and paulst955

I have an appointment next week with rheumy and hope to come away with a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Today I would gladly be on 20 mgs Pred!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to IdasMum]

Hope she agrees then!