Question on tapering

[Robert09]

I started my pred at 60 mg in June 2017 when diagnosed with GCA, now done to 7mg now using a very slow taper.

However I sometimes experience slight or continual pressure on my temple, and in my jaw. A few weeks ago I had a flare, so increased my pred.

I don't feel I should increase when it is slight.

What is others experience?

I'm sorry I missed the members day, sounds like it was really good.

Photo of great grandson

[PMRpro Ambassador]

To have got from 60 to 7mg in 15 months is very good going. If you flared recently it may be you need to stay where you are for a couple of months - it isn't a race and you are WAAAAYYYY ahead of the curve!

[Robert09 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your advice.

When I had my flare I was on 10mg and increased it to 12mg for about 3 weeks then reduced it to 10 for a while then started again to taper down to 7mg.

So would you say I stay on 7mg where I am now for a couple of months?

should I just ignore the light pressure to my forehead and temple, obviously if it became more I will increase my pred.

I think I have answered my question !

It is all very alien.

I'm very appreciative of your support.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good advice from PMRpro - nuff said!

Ease off and have a rest!

[SheffieldJane]

Well there is a cup full of gorgeousness! 💖

[Hidden]

Hi Robert, I cant help you with tapering because I'm still experimenting myself.... I have both PMR & GCA, since 11/2017. I started at 40, went to 60, reduced to 40, had a flare, went to 80 and have been reducing (more slowly) ever since... I'm currently at 27.5. I get occasional headaches/pressure around the temples, but it doesn't last so I don't increase my dosage. Good luck!

Beautiful great grandson by the way!!!!!!

[Robert09 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying, it's a bit of a mine field.

It's impossible to get any support from rheumatologist only contact is when I have an appointment about every 4/5 months, GP can be helpful but not sure they have a full understanding of the condition.

I'm sorry you have both PMR & GCA, I'm lucky I only have GCA, although often feel ache & pains but put it down to getting older.

My G Grandson is brilliant, very mischievous.

[prunus]

Hi

I had GCA diagnosed almost 6years ago. My suggestion from experience is go with your gut feeling and increase a little to what you were on before you decreased. I find half mg

tablets useful to help with this.

[karools16]

Dear little boy. Love that little bit of wet hair on forehead and gorgeous blue eyes. Precious.

[Robert09 in reply to karools16]

He is lovely, growing up to fast

[Robert09]

He is lovely ‘ most of the time