I was originally diagnosed with PMR last June and put on Predisolone, then since joining this group I discovered that I may have been misdiagnosed and most likely have Palindromic Rheumatism instead. My GP agrees but wants the Rheumatologist to concur.
My question is - since steroids are not the normal meds for Palindromic Rheumatism, can I go off them quickly since I don't need them? I am tapering going down to 11 mg this month.
The doctor will need to guide your reduction of Prednisalone. Your own Cortisol production will have been suppressed and it could be dangerous to stop suddenly. Did the Prednisalone help your symptoms at all? I just wondered as it is an anti-inflammatory. Good luck with the ongoing management of your condition.
Oh yes the pred helped, I still get flares though. i do realise I will have to taper - I am working DSNS and going towards 11mg this month.
Not for the amount of time you’ve been on them, a sudden stop could be dangerous - it needs to be carried out under medical supervision.
Hmmm? Never heard of Palindromic rheumatism, but than again I had never heard of PMR/GCA either! I'll let the experts answer your question about the steroids. Best of luck!!!
You can't just stop taking it suddenly but you don't have to be as careful if all you are hoping for is to get off pred - you aren't looking for the "right" dose. You can usually reduce to 7 or 8mg quickly - that is still enough to provide the adrenal cover. Then you slow down a bit so your adrenal glands can keep up. Then it also depends a bit on how long you have been on pred. This may be helpful:
aiunited.org/glucocorticoid...
It is something of an unknown path as everyone is different in every aspect including why and how long you were on pred at all. Some rheumatologists (and others) switch patients to hydrocortisone if it is adrenal function you are looking to replace as it is shorter-acting and will replace adrenal function well but not manage PMR as well. Other experts suggest "A general guideline is that recovery takes one month for every month of suppression, with up to 9 to 12 months when steroids are used for more than one year."
No - see other replies especially PMRpros
Euphoria when starting pred..
Am I immunosuppressed on 2mg pred?
Does pred work on osteoarthritis?
Exercise when on Pred for GCA
Pred dose when travelling
