How long should I wait?

[Liskeard]

Hi all

So, after reading your advice I’m now on 20 mg prednisolone (with calcium, D2 and K). Started on New Years night. It’s now morning of 4/1, and still achy and stiff. Nowhere near as much though, can now get up without moaning!

My question is - was I being too optimistic hoping the steroids would have kicked in completely, should I wait or should I increase the dose?

Thanks for all the help and support

[PMRpro Ambassador]

After just 3 days it is a bit too soon to say you need to increase the dose. While I had noticeable relief of the stiffness and some pain in under 6 hours, it was a couple of months before most of the hip and shoulder pain had gone, By no means everyone has such a speedy response - at least a week is much more common although most people do feel some difference sooner as you have done. Some people need a few weeks.

And you have to do your bit - just because you are feeling better, you can't go back to trying to do your normal activities. That will almost certainly lead to sore muscles!!

[Angiejnz in reply to PMRpro]

Yup good advice, the not doing everything because you feel better but is when Jack (in the box) bites me on the bum again. I'm a slow learner, hope you do better 🤣

[Hollyseden in reply to Angiejnz]

Hah I'm also a slow learner in that department. It's so annoying, isn't it, you feel better for a while, so you do something and pay the price for it. 😠

[Purplecrow]

I started feeling relief from day 2 of prednisone. However...when I was diagnosed, ... I could not turn over in bed, nor pull the comfortor over my shoulders..... So relief is a relative term, and soon discovered to mean improvement...not total relief or cure.

at your early stage, dont assume increase of Prednisone is what you need. PMR is a long term illness...learning patience may be your first lesson.

Give yourself a break, look at pred as helping you return to some semblance of normal function,...do not expect miracles.

You are in a marathon tournament, which will take time complete...I have been working through PMR for 5+ years, and just beginning to return to somewhat normal function.

Kind regards, Jerri

[Pollyanna16]

Hi Liskeard, just to let you know (& any other Cornish members) our next support group meeting is at 2pm on Monday 11th February at TRURO Golf Club. Look forward to meeting you. Pollyanna16 x