Hello everyone, I am new here, I am 3 weeks into Pred

[Jo1947]

Hi everyone, 1st post, 3 weeks into diagnosis and start of Pred (learned the jargon very quickly) I have a docs app on Friday, I am expecting him to reduce to 12.5, tabs for calcium and vit D. Is this what I should expect? I think I started last year with hip problems, thought I was needing hip replacement, then fell on my back in June this year and the pain in right arm started, not long afterwards left arm. Thought it was all to do with that, anyway doc took a pot shot with blood test and then this unheard of illness. Hey I am free from pain at the moment but steroids leave you with lots of feelings, don’t think this is going to be as simple as I thought.

Thank you for listening to my story

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Jo,

And welcome.

Doc may well reduce you, but some leave you at starting dose for a bit longer. Ask him for a prescription for 1mg tablets as well. 15mg to 12.5mg is a recognised reduction, but some find it too much, so it’s good to have the option to make a smaller drop if necessary.

Also have a look at attached, and come back at any time with questions etc,

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Take care.

[Jo1947 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorset lady, very helpful info, I know I shouldn’t but am having a gin and tonic as I am fed up being good!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jo1947]

Why shouldn't you?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jo1947]

Nothing wrong with that!

[CT-5012 in reply to DorsetLady]

Welcome,

G&T is being good isn't it? 😁

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Welcome - I think you have probably learned the most difficult lesson already: "don’t think this is going to be as simple as I thought"

But just take one step at a time - and don't try to look ahead and plan a reduction journey.

[Jo1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMR pro, don’t tell me off about the GnT

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jo1947]

That is the last thing I'm going to do. I only do G&T with diet tonic, which doesn't exist here in Italy! Otherwise I'd join you. As it is - a nice glass of Gruner Veltliner is in my hand!

[Jo1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Havnt tried that but it sounds very nice- cheers

[Rokerman in reply to Jo1947]

Or you could try gin with regular tonic plus a shot of elderflower cordial.....

Always works for me!

[Alison300356 in reply to Rokerman]

Rhubarb Gin and ginger ale!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rokerman]

I hate the taste of regular tonic ...

[Alison300356 in reply to PMRpro]

Me to but ginger ale is good in any gin!

[SheffieldJane]

They are off! 🤗🍷

Welcome Jo!

Lesson 1. Patience

Lesson 2. Pace yourself

Lesson 3. Taper slowly

Above all have a laugh whenever you can!

[Jo1947 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Jane have seen your earlier post and can only offer you my support and care at this time, you were so kind in your response to me, I hope for a quick resolution for you, take care

[CT-5012]

Accept all the help you are offered and the drinks of course. 🥃 😁

[Hirwaen]

Welcome, your description of the lead up to diagnosis is exactly the same as mine, blaming falls etc for pain!! I started in April on 20mgs and am now down to 9mgs. Be positive, this is manageable and not life threatening, there are great experts on this site so you never feel alone. Good luck!!

[Jo1947 in reply to Hirwaen]

Hi Hirwaen, thanks for your welcome, it sounds like you have had a good reduction in your meds, I am trying to be positive but sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming. Thank you

[Alison300356]

Hi Jo I'm new to this too. Two weeks in from diagnosis and after finding out about various symptoms I too think I've had PMR for a while. Looks like it's going to be a learning curve for us!

[Jo1947]

Alison, hopefully as we are on the path at the same time we can support each other.

I hope all can see this post as I want to thank all for support but am so tired tonight to respond to all, there must be an easy way to do this but have yet to learn, thank you all

[ali5son]

Welcome Jo

New to all this also diagnosed June. Giving steroids and not much information about PMR. So far so good but so grateful to this forum for information.

[Jo1947]

Hello everyone who responded to my initial post, thank you, I have felt tired and have not managed to respond to you all individually. Tomorrow I see my doctor for the first time since he issued me with my prescription, I have an ever growing list of questions for him, lets see if he knows his stuff! The information I have found on this forum is so helpful.

it is so awful to read of the struggle for some on here, I wish the best of luck and hope they take courage and help from all of you who have responded.