First flare

[Danda99]

I was doing great. Down from 20mg to just below 5 mg and feeling like 'me' again. It took 14 months. Then I caught a cold. It knocked me out, turned into a chest infection followed by full blown flare. All the old pains plus some new ones. If I stay on double dose of 10mg for a week can I try going straight back to 5 mg again? I am on double regular dose of antibiotic (Klacid) for a week too. Any guidance/ experiences appreciated. Thanks.

[Bronni]

I think that if you take the original dose for less than 2 weeks, its ok to revert back to 5mg. I’m sure someone else with more experience will either confirm this or tell me I’m wrong! Feel better.

[Danda99 in reply to Bronni]

Thanks so much Bronni. That is just what I wanted to know.

I will aim for under 2 weeks on the higher dose.

I guess a few setbacks on the road to recovery are to be expected.

Hope you are doing ok, and thanks for taking the time to help.

[Bronni in reply to Danda99]

This was my same question in my one ( and only) post. If you click on my profile you will read the advice from pmrpro. Good luck!

[Sho-Sho]

I was told by my Rheumatologist that if I got an infection and needed antibiotics to increase my dose (I am on 7.5mg) to 12mg for three days and then take three days to taper back to 7.5.

I hope this is of some help.

[Danda99 in reply to Sho-Sho]

Thank you Sho-Sho. I actually had a terrible cold when I last saw my rheumatologist. He didn't make any suggestions and seemed to think me a bit strange for not wanting to shake hands when I felt so germy. Wish now I had upped the Pred asap.

I will follow your advice, thanks. Hope all is going well for you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Two weeks is about the limit - but it will only work if the disease activity is still the same. So watch out when you go back to 5mg! And personally - I'd go via 7.5mg for a few days, just in case.

[Danda99 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro. That makes sense. It is so hard to think clearly when you are knocked back by an extra illness. I feel a little better already just having a plan.