Tapering pred: Hello. Have been told by up to... - PMRGCAuk

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Tapering pred

Healthworrier profile image
12 Replies

Hello. Have been told by up to reduce from 15mg to 12.5. I have the last two days taken a little more 13.25 to hopefully ease the transition. However my legs are tingly and shoulders a little sore certainly not

painful. Anyone experienced this. Can I expect it to settle down. Am going abroad next week for three weeks so won't be able to to see gp then. Thanks for reading. Look forward to comments. Thanks

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Healthworrier
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12 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

How long have you been on 15mg? How quickly did you get relief and how much?

Healthworrier profile image
Healthworrier in reply to PMRpro

Three weeks relief within three days

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Healthworrier

One is left to ask why he couldn't have left you at 15mg until after your holiday!! Six weeks is not unusual at the starting dose when they start as low as 15mg.

However - just be watchful and if it starts to get more rather than less over the next week I would go back to 15mg until you get home.

Healthworrier profile image
Healthworrier in reply to PMRpro

Thanks sounds like a plan

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Could be steroid withdrawal if it came on straight away, and if so it should go within the next couple of days.

But, as PMRpro says, would have been wiser to leave the tapering until after travelling. That in itself can be stressful, so just be aware, and if you feel an increase in symptoms then maybe you’ll need to make the decision of whether to stick it out or go back up to 15mg yourself.

Healthworrier profile image
Healthworrier in reply to DorsetLady

Fingers crossed it's just withdrawal. Thanks for input😊

j-e-a-n profile image
j-e-a-n

Are you using the slow/stop method. I have found it a very good way to go down

Healthworrier profile image
Healthworrier in reply to j-e-a-n

Forgot to say should be 12.5 for four weeks.

Healthworrier profile image
Healthworrier

No gp said to go from 15bto 12.5. I decided to go to 13.25 so not such a jump. Doctor said to stay at 12.5 and then have bloods and see him again. Not sure whether to try 12.5 or stay at 13.25 for a few more days. We set off for France on Wednesday. Am in a bit of a quandary.

Valnvaughan profile image
Valnvaughan

Reductions of Pred and holidays, abroad or locally, do not sit well together. Better to wait for return to your routine before reducing, in my experience. Valerie

Healthworrier profile image
Healthworrier in reply to Valnvaughan

Thanks seems this pred thingy is a bit of a minefield😱

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Healthworrier

It can be - but when you listen to your body and don't ignore its messages it becomes easier.

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