Could this be a flare up

[Pinkpepper]

After experiencing neck pain and stiffness I have upped my preds from 10 to 12mg but not really notice any improvement. Wondering if this could be a flare up after I’d reduced too quickly and should I increase dose to 15mg? Don’t see the point in taking preds if they’re not making a difference. Thanks for any advice.

[Birdboxinthegarden]

Been the same for a week now myself. I do have osteoarthritis and have it in my neck. Have you been lifting things?

[Pinkpepper in reply to Birdboxinthegarden]

No

[SheffieldJane]

I agree with you Pinkpepper, on all points. With the best will in the world this thing will not be rushed. I’d nip it in the bud, as you suggest.

[Pinkpepper in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for replying

[Soraya_PMR]

You’re right, too low a dose is a lose:lose situation. All the negative side effects and none of the benefits.

What was your reduction schedule from 15?

[SnazzyD]

Might just be a stiff neck. Is there anything about it that would make you think it’s unusual if you hadn’t got this diagnosis? Did you try ordinary pain killers first? I have found that with Pred and tiredness my posture suffered and I bacame prone to all the consequences of rubbish posture. Lifting things was the worst for my neck. What has been your reaction schedule?

[Pinkpepper]

I was reducing 1mg a month and got down to 4mg without trouble. At the beginning of December I developed a really nasty cough and cold which lasted for two months. During that time I kept reducing and got down to 2.5mg. Then started experiencing hot flushes and night sweats so doctor told me I should have doubled my dose at the start of the viral illness to 8mg and not reduced. Wish I’d been informed of that before! Increased to 10mg and flushes have decreased but have had sore neck and stiffness over the last week or so and therefore increased myself to 12mg but little difference. Now I’m wondering if this is a flare up, I’ve not experienced one before.

[powerwalk in reply to Pinkpepper]

When i try to reduce i get all that nightsweats thing back real bad. I had it before i was diagnosed so its usually a bad sign for me! So increasing a bit should help. Disappointing i know!!!

[Pinkpepper in reply to powerwalk]

It sucks doesnt it!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pinkpepper]

Others have answered initial question, but can I just throw this in as additional information.

Once you get back on track, try reducing by 0.5mg a month rather than 1mg - especially when you get down to single figures. Much less likely to flare - and don’t reduce if you don’t feel okay.

[Pinkpepper in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks I will

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Had you just reduced the dose? Or within the previous week or two? And by how much?

[Pinkpepper in reply to PMRpro]

No, I’d had to increase because of hot flushes and night sweats. Doctor told me to increase to 10mg and after about a week the neck pain started.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pinkpepper]

All put together it could be a flare and you should maybe speak to your doctor - but there are other non-related causes for neck pain.

[Pinkpepper in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks

[Blackcat1M in reply to PMRpro]

Congratulations on becoming a ambassador , hope you are well.

[Purplecrow]

My first thought was bed related...new pillow? Reading good book in bed? Reading for longer time than usual? Plain old pain -in -the -neck, not PMR related?

I usually try a couple Tylenol / paracetamol , to see if it helps.

Just a thought...

[Pinkpepper]

Hi, I have been doing jigsaws lately, maybe bending over that? Thanks for your input

[Telian]

It could be you need more pred then it could be withdrawal symptoms (not a flare) from you recent taper. If symptoms came on the same day it will be withdrawals and should go within a few days. A flare comes on anytime. Monitor your symptoms and rest lots.

[Pinkpepper in reply to Telian]

Thankyou