Hi everyone, I am now down to 3mg of Pred, with the dead slow method. I have been on 3mg now for about 10days, but today I feel so stiff all over as if I am turning to stone. Only moderate pain in hips and bottom, painkillers have made no difference though.
I hope it is not a flare as I was convinced the dreaded PMR had gone.
This illness is really soul destroying as you all well know. One step forward and two steps back as they say.
I hope you can give me some advice.
Thank you Jenny x
Sounds horribly as if you are now on marginally too little pred to clear out the inflammation every day and it is mounting up. These are such low doses - go back to 4mg and wait a couple of months and try again. If you wait you may have to go higher,
You only know it is gone when you get to zero and no problems. You cannot tell for sure any sooner. And honestly - he that expecteth nothing shall not be disappointed.
Hi Jenny
Sorry to say, but about 10 days into new dose does sound as if it’s not enough!
Your previous dose might have just been enough so you were okay, but even a little reduction can be just a little too much!
You might be able to catch it quickly if you go back to previous dose today - if not then maybe up to 5mg for a week. If cleared then you may be able to drop back down easily.
But under 5mg it’s quite benign so take what you need! I know it’s frustrating, but that’s the nature of the beast unfortunately.
Good luck
I think mounting pain after ten days is a signal. Heed the words of the wise PMRpro and DorsetLady. But maybe when you try your next taper in a few weeks time do 4.5 mg instead of 4? Yes, even if you are using a slow taper.
I too have experienced what you are describing. After much searching about I realized these were withdrawal symptoms and not 'it' coming back. Prednisone shuts down whatever our own body produces so with each reduction of the drug our body has to readjust and gear up again and take over it's normal job - adrenal glands are involved and probably other aspects of which I'm not aware. I couldn't understand how I kept feeling worse after reducing Prednisone when I thought I should be feeling better! In some aspects I was feeling better but not enough to stop me worrying. Best check it out with the doctor.
This is interesting and valuable information. I reduced from 6 mg to 5mg last month and felt awful for about 10 days then I seemed to recover though still tired. I have not reduced this month as my kids and young grandchildren are with me for ten days. Next month though I will try 4 1/2 I am rather dreading it.
Dear Jenny,
it's NOT a 'flare', not yet anyway, but, you know that 'Dead Slow Method'? It needs to be slower! You might have to go Back Up, to say 5mg- don't panic, only for day or two. This will reverse, your symptoms. Please don't forget the Weather either Jenny, it plays 'Holy Hell', with my Tummy, Muscles and Joints.
Once you are stable again, you WILL know when, reduce the dosage back to 3 mg. I would keep it there, for a fair while, then Jenny.
Did you see, my 'Post' regarding 'Amazing Relief After Rain'. Do let us know, please Jenny. All our Love is with you.
AndrewT
Have you been doing anything strenuous that may account for the stiffness, sleeping in a different bed or anything? I would have felt out of the woods after 10 days. Don’t let it turn into a full flare. Sometimes a very short boost can help, then back to where you were.
Hi all, am I having a flare up again
Dose for a flare
Is management of a 'flare' different to from 'going too low'?
Am I having a relapse?
