Reducing Prednisone

[YuliK]

A week or two ago I reduced Prednisone from 9mg to 8 mg. (starting at 25mg 10 months ago for pmr)

Two days after reducing to 8mg, I felt dreadful pmr pains, but decided to persevere... I took two paracetamol as well as the prednisone and that helped a little. This went on for three or four days and the pains finally fizzeled out.

I stopped the paracetamol and I must admit I am feeling ok on the 8mg.

I came to the conclusion that it's better to try and fight the pains whilst reducing, as I found they eventually disappear...

Thought I'd pass this bit of info to others, especially those who are trying to reduce and at the first sign of pain run to increase their Prednisone ...try and resist for at least a week ...it worked for me

YuliK. Age 76

[PMRpro Ambassador]

But preferably only if they are stable or reducing - if they are increasing, then it is a sign the dose is too low and the inflammation is building up. OTOH - if paracetamol helps, it is very unlikely to be a flare of PMR and much more likely to be steroid withdrawal. And at this stage, if you try 1/2mg at a time instead of 1mg, you will reduce the impact of changing the dose.

[YuliK in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR pro

Yes I'll take your advise and my next step is 0.5mg reduction in another two weeks.

YuliK. 👌

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to YuliK]

Plus introduce a slow taper if necessary. Some of your pains may be steroid withdrawal rather than PMR.

[PMRCanada]

I try to "push through" the first few achy days after I begin reducing, and so far, the aches subside within the first 5 days. When I get increasing pain and stiffness that emerges later (after 5 days or more ), that is a when I have flared. I'm learning how the symptoms feel differently now that I've experienced both.

[Reader7]

This is exactly where I am right now, Yulik. I'm having minor pain in my shoulders that definitely feels like my original PMR pain. I plan to stay at 8mg and hope the pain subsides before reducing again. I had one flare over the summer and I don't want that again! I just want to make sure I'm on the right track.

[YuliK in reply to Reader7]

Reader hi there

Pmr/pro has advised me to drop 0:5mg ( I'm on 8mg per day. ) and I shall certainly take this good lady's advise. After one month at 8mg, then I shall reduce 0:5mg

As I said in my thread, I did feel pain after I reduced 1mg, from 9 to 8mg, but I persevered and thank goodness, I managed to get on track after a few days of recurring pains.

Of course prednisone has side affects and our GPS and Rheumatologists want us to reduce asap , but as we all know it's not that simple.

Taking one slow step at a time is the positive way. No quick reductions. Take it easy.

Stay strong reader, it will all be ok in the end. 👍

[Cairocat]

I also dropped my dosage after the Christmas frenzy but am finding it challenging.

I had been prescribed 35 mg/day by emerg doc on July 13th when I was diagnosed but my family doc returned from holiday and nearly had a stroke when he heard I was at that level! I immediately tapered and when I met with my Rheumy at the end of October I was down to 15. Under her guidance I reduced to 10 by December and this week have made it to 8....with the plan of dropping 1 mg per month. In addition I find that 1 Advil 12hour helps.

It’s a battle but I am making myself go to aqua size (gentle) 3 times a week and do a regime of gentle back exercises that the physiotherapist designed as my lower spine is degenerating and needs strengthening.

What I am finding difficult this week is the extreme fatigue and I have fallen asleep two days in a row with my book and a cup of tea in my hand. Needless to say the tea is cool, but I wake up with a start. ....even more disturbing is my blood pressure has really spiked and there is no reason for it to do so.

Any advice would be appreciated. It’s wonderful to be able to reach out to such a kind community.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cairocat]

I experience extreme fatigue after I have had an episode of atrial fibrillation - and it was that (more than the pred) which sent my BP up. My a/f was caused by the a/i part of PMR, it is paroxysmal (happens for a hour or two at most every so often without warning) and is worse when the PMR flares. It might be worth being really well checked out.

[Cairocat in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and I will certainly consider what you have suggested. Today was a....good day...a very good day really, so, like you have advised in so many of your life altering contributions, I will monitor and watch and wait and ...breathe.. and watch and wait and...breathe. I went to aqua size ( very gentle) this morning in glorious Fernie BC and focused on the sun sparkling on the mountains that surround us...instead of the aches and pains. This getting old is really not what I had expected....but, as my mother used to say...it is what it is! Have a great weekend and thank you again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cairocat]

Beats the alternative if you ask me - though I suppose you don't know what that is like once it's happened!!!!

[Cairocat in reply to PMRpro]

Very true. Take care and keep smiling!

[Linny3]

thank you for telling us your experience. I have started thinking along those lines. So, it is nice reading someone has done it.