Exceptionally bad flare! Advice please

[Pmrmolly2018]

I have written before. Had virus and awful flare 6 weeks ago. Doctor upped pred from 12.5 to 15 mg. I’m just beginning to feel ‘normal’ with some energy and little pain. Still sleeping 10 hours a night! Can you advise how soon to taper and how quickly. I was diagnosed PMR in June 2018; starting dose 20mg as did not then respond to 15mg and have struggled to get to 12.5mg....that’s when the virus in the form of conjunctivitis and thus ‘flare’’ slipped in through the back door! Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Personally I would stay for another couple of weeks as you’ve been so bad. And then reduce by 1mg a time, rather than 2.5mg as you struggled last time.

I know it’s disappointing, but the last thing you want is for it to happen again if you try too big a taper.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

Morning Molly

Sounds like a very nasty virus, l’d be inclined to stay where you are for at least another week & review then, viruses have a nasty habit of hanging around!

As DL says consider going down slower, the general consensus is no more that 10% so your next step from 15mg could be 13.5mg or even by 1mg steps.

Have a word with your GP @ see what he thinks as he sounds very sensible increasing you to 15mg while you were poorly.

Get Well Soon 💐

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not before you feel fully recovered from that virus. And then - slowly as if it was the beginning.

[yogabonnie]

Reduce more slowly. It should help. Hope you are feeling better soon. (I'm always sleeping 8-10 hours a night.)Don't worry about sleeping too much!