What a weird and strange existence it is when on Predisolone. Compared to most people on this site I reckon I've had a relatively mild dose of PMR. Just the odd flare and the need to sometimes push up my dose. But I met my match once I tried to reduce to 5mg.
I tried many methods of getting down to 5mg. First came the forceful hammer approach by changing down from 6mg to 5mg leaving me with pain like I'd fallen down the side of a mountain without the resultant broken bones. Another crafty attempt was needed, tapering from 6mg to 5.5mg.
But the big challenge was from 5.5mg to 5mg.This involved calling on the Acme Company (in other words, Dorset Lady's tapering method). All went well for 3 weeks and then the pains of falling down a mountainside started again. This called for the “tip-toe” approach. One day old dose, next day new dose. I did this alternation for 2 weeks and then became bolder. I stayed on the new dose waiting for what seemed the inevitable to happen. Surprise! Nothing happened. I am now on the greatly coveted 5 mg with no giant bolder landing on my head.
How do I feel? Smug!
And all thanks to Wili E. Coyote (and the Acme Company of course!)
Written by
43tripandskip
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I really don't know how I would have managed to reduce the Pred dosage if it hadn't been for this site and all the helpful advice. I just feel so grateful to have got as far as 5g. I really wish you well on your reduction journey. I'm sure you will get down to a lower dosage without the frustration and painfulness that I went through before adapting the techniques that we can read on this site.
Yes, there is no doubt that your tapering method got me away from many months of false starts in trying to get down to 5g. The alternate dosage of old dose/ new dose was meant to be a way of marking time until I could get back onto week 4 of your tapering programme. It was just chance that made me branch out onto an every day new dosage. I will wait at least 5 weeks before I try the next reduction, but this time I hope to get though all the weeks of the tapering programme without getting hit by boulders. Thank you again, I could never have got this far without your help.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Different tapering method
Multiple issues - advice needed please. 
Tapering prednisone dose using the \"slow and slower method\"
Slop tapering - doing it my way
I forgot what you do when you are using the tapering method and have a flare
