Following my posts a month or so ago querying the cause of painful fingers at the same time as a flare, with all the subsequent great replies, thought I'd let you know that the fingers, knuckles, wrists pains finally went. When I saw our locum GP last week she said to just leave things as they are until I see my Rheumatologist some time in October. Recent blood tests showed ESR and CRP still raised, so I am staying on 10 mg Pred which, as before, is the dose that luckily seems to 'zap' my flares and given a bit more time, has dealt with the fingers/hands as well. No more Pred reducing for me for a while as don't want to risk another flare not with my big "80" birthday in a couple of weeks and family descending on us from afar with their secret plans for the weekend, plus other days out with friends in the weeks either side of that! So much activity compared to our usual daily lives so I will try and remember the good advice on here about pacing myself, although I certainly intend to enjoy every moment!!
Thank you for all your replies and for the interest shown in what seems to be a small problem compared to much harder problems some of you have to cope with. I shall keep a watchful eye on this very helpful forum and possibly add a line or two now and again, but until then I wish you all well.