Needing the knowledge of those here. 1 month and 2 days ago I tapered to 7 mg from 8. About the third week I had little Rumblings of possible Flair? The last two weeks I have had a serious case of the flu which was actually second time around and yes I had my flu injection. I am due to travel on Friday to see my son about 2 and 1/2 hours away. So whether being too low a level at 7 or a flare kicked off by illness either way I suddenly had onset of fingers hands and wrists over about two to three days Plus shoulder blades neck and some hip low back and even calves. My PMR was upper and lower body which I know it's not as common. My wrists were The Tell-Tale sign in my mind. So on Monday night two days ago I raised from 7 to 10 mg prednisone the next morning I felt like a new person. Let me also state that I do have a 22-year history of fibromyalgia which has been non-existent on my p.m. our journey. So my question is how long do I stay at 10 and do I basically just start this taper all over again? Nothing will get in my way of this trip on Friday. It's the first time I will have seen my son and his home for 10 years. It is also the first time we will be together sharing what would be the 28th birthday of my son, gone 6 years. So thank you for your input. Janet
I thought I was out of the woods at 7 mg prednisone - PMRGCAuk
I thought I was out of the woods at 7 mg prednisone
Hi Janet,
Sorry to hear about your flare.
Like you, my flu jab didn’t work as well as in previous years - just bad luck or a combination of factors who knows.
I guess you felt okay at 8mg, as it seems to have taken a while for you to flare.
If it were me I’d stay at 10mg for a couple of weeks, to make sure everything has settled.
I, along with many others, found that once I’d reached 10mg the best way, if you can is to reduce by 0.5mg a time. Uncoated pills can be cut, uncoated can be mixed to find the correct dose - so if you are prescribed them, ask doctor for a selection - 5mg, 2.5mg and 1mg.
You may find you can drop down -10/9.5/9/8.5/8 quite easily - say every 2 weeks or so, but then I would stay at 8mg for at least a month before you try again.
Good luck- and enjoy your visit.
Good morning Dorset Lady,
Thank you so much for such a swift reply. Typically I only taper once a month more recently I seem to be very sensitive so I are on the cautious side. My rheumatologist, though is more like a bull in a china shop LOL. Yes so I would have been at 8 for a month or so. I would like to know, wouldn't we all, whether it was the last drop or was it the illness that tipped it over. I'm almost leaning towards not the illness because of the subtle things I was beginning to feel again about two and a half to three weeks end. So I will park it here for the month and then go back to the taper. I've never done just a half though I know it is what many use here so far I haven't had a problem but I think I will be more cautious. Have a wonderful day. Janet
You have to remember that the lower you get, the nearer you are going to be to "The Dose". If you are very lucky you will steadily reduce the dose as the activity of the a/i part fades as well or the dose you are aiming for is only in low single figures.
If it were me I'd stick with the 10mg for at least a week - how long is the trip? And then try 8mg - because it has all the hallmarks of 8mg being enough, 7 being just a smidgeon too low. If it doesn't work again you go back to 9mg. But for the moment - 10mg and have a lovely time.
Good morning PMRpro,
Thank you for waiting in. That was really my question in my head how long can Beyond 10 and attempt what you are suggesting? The trip is Just 4 days. So I guess I won't know if a week at 10 is enough until I try it back to 8. I will be seeing my rheumatologist shortly so I wanted to make sure of where things stood because she is the bull in the china shop I referenced above. 😳 so I'll plan to try the eight a week from today as I return on Monday evening. Thank you so much. Have a great day. It is Blue Sky sunny and 46 here in Virginia this morning. Janet
Almost the same as here - blue sky, glorious sun and 7C!! Tomorrow will be warmer - and almost summer by the weekend!
So much is invested in this get together with your son that I would postpone the taper until I was safely home. Wishing you a wonderful time. Take care.
Thank you Sheffield Jane,
thanks so much. I actually just hung up the phone. My son called to tell me all the plans and options he has for us for my four-day visit. He is quite the Gourmet in the kitchen I will have to say he learned that from his mom. Walking tour I've downtown Raleigh, the art museum, dinner out, dinner in cooking together, the dog park and looking at spring plants for his rooftop deck. He sounded so excited. I can't tell you what this trip means so I will follow the protocol and appreciate everyone's help and best wishes. Janet
Nothing is better than a visit to our kids ❤️ Enjoy!
That sounds just perfect! Pace yourself with those treats. Just being together and talking will be precious! 🌼
Thanks, I will. I've been open with him about my PMR and he seems genuinely concerned and interested always asking me questions and about how I feel so that's not a problem. It's just so heartwarming to know how much effort he is putting into this.
I hope your trip is beautiful. But take care and don't rush the reduction. I find happy high emotion can be as exhausting as sad emotion and stress on pred. Such a roller coaster drug.
Good morning Hellyowl,
Thank you and I certainly agree with you. Stress can certainly come in both forms. Take care, Janet
I ditto the remarks to enjoy your trip immensely! It’s clearly a highly emotional one and those times definitely affect me with my PMR symptoms. I’d hang with 9.5 or 10 until you’re home again.
Good morning 680,
yes I'm staying at 10 mg not doing anything yes I'm staying at 10 mg not doing anything till I even get back and reassess. Yes it's going to be good but again emotional. I tell myself it's the beginning of many to come. We laughed on the phone last night when I said to him that we didn't have enough time to do all the things he had planned so we both agreed flexibility will be the key. Thanks so much. Janet
Hi Janet.
What a lovely visit you have planned. I hope all goes beautifully, and that your gorgeous spring weather continues.
Hug your son for me too.
Kind regards, Jerri
Thank you Jerri,
I still have so much to do before I leave. A full day with work haircut chiropractor and dropping my car off for inspection yeah I know it's a lot it's just the way it has to be. It means when I get back I can relax and not have to worry about getting the car in with not enough time. I am so excited I'm half pack just waiting to check the weather one more last time should be in the low to Upper 60s during the day and 30 at night. We'll share some pictures when I've returned. Have a wonderful day. Janet
Hi Janet, your trip sounds so special. I am so pleased you have this to look forward to. You can't beat quality time with family. My oldest son lives over in Florida so we don't get to see him or daughter in law very often, but he did surprise us with a visit at Christmas. It was so special and emotional, really lovely. Hoping we may get over in July although it will be very hot then! Enjoy your time away, let us know how you get on. Take care. Oh, and don't forget to pack your meds! 🤣
Good morning Lonsdalelass,
I know how wonderful your visit with your son and family had to be. When I was married, it took 10 years for us to have every member of the whole family together on one continent at Thanksgiving. Everyone was in the military so that was just commonplace. Funny that this will be also 10 years for Patrick and me. I never thought this day would ever come. I am excited beyond belief and was so sweet to listen to him rattle off all these plans he's really put a lot into it. He really is like me in that regards. I will share pictures when I return. I hope you have a wonderful day. It is gray drab and rainy today but the sun is shining in my brain!
Wonderful! 🤣
I would recommend staying at 10 mg for about 2 weeks. After 2 weeks I would reduce .5 mg and every 2 weeks reducing .5 mgI would also recommend staying active and walking every day.
Jenson
Did you realise this post is 3 years old??
I don't think Janet is even a member now!
She is.
😂😂😂 Sorry Janet! There have been so very many newbies that I don't recognise the names any more.
Flare! What was the last dose that I felt good at?
Down to 7 mg of pred and having a flare up 
Amazed at how 1/2 mg of prednisone can affect me
Out of the Woods! Touch Wood!
