Reference article to show slow taper causes fewer flares

[Mstiles]

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Seeing rheumy tomorrow

[JulianJ]

I don't know of any articles, but when I started my reductions the doctor said reduce every 4 weeks. 15, 10, 9, 8, 7 ,6 and back to 9 with a flare. I found I had to take 1mg extra twice in the first week and once in the second week.

Since using the DSNS taper I haven't needed to take any extra tablets and am well on the way to getting back to 6mg. I did feel a bit low last week, but that has passed and now things seem a lot better.

The first time I tried for 6mg I could manage it for less than 2 weeks before going up to 9mg.

I changed doctor before starting the DSNS taper, the change was because my original doctor retired. We quickly agreed that I could manage my taper. I have been lucky with my second doctor, recommended by my original doctor.

When you see your rheumy make sure you take the control you need. He can't feel what you are feeling.

[HeronNS]

This article refers to a different disease, but the principle is the same and it emphasizes the importance of slow tapering.

cssassociation.org/patient-...

[HeronNS]

Try googling this sequence: slow taper steroids polymyalgia fewer relapses , to get articles like this:

mdedge.com/rheumatologynews...

[Hidden]

This is a link to a post Pmrpro posted in December. Don't know if it helps.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[CT-5012]

Saw my rheumy last week, we have now got to the understanding that as long as I have a plan he is quite happy to leave me to the tapering. Result. 😁

[4840 in reply to CT-5012]

Same here. I saw my rheumy yesterday, and she is happy that I have a slow tapering plan (DL's simple taper) and belong to a support group. She knows that even 1/2 mg of prednisone reduction can make a difference and be felt. I am sticking to it for a month. I don't need to see her for another 6 months