Prednisolone for scaredy cat

[selkie2019]

Hi, I have been taking 15mg of prednisolone for a week and the improvement has been miraculous with a 90% improvement in symptoms. Thank you all for your advice and support. I had the best swim in weeks and have a week's holiday in Cornwall to walk and rebuild some muscle strength.

[Hidden]

That's great. Enjoy the break and remember build some lovely daily rest in too. I would have guessed Cornwall from the photo. 🌻

[Constance13]

Hang on, hang on! You are just at the beginning of what could be a long journey (although I hope not)! Don't push it! Your pain/discomfort has been "delayed" because of the Pred. You haven't been "cured".

[Blearyeyed]

That's great.

Just remember that although the pain has gone the cause of the pain is still present.

Pred doesn't cure PMR it just helps the body cope with the inflammation.

So with this in mind , don't forget that you need to pace yourself and work out your " new normal " , a balance between rest as well as activity for the body and mind will prevent a possible flare up and need to increase medications.

Most of us have made the mistake ourselves in the beginning of thinking we can just jump back into the old horse then paid the price in new pain and fatigue.

Holidays can take alot out of you so to get the most benefit from it , pace your packing and delegate most of the physical chores of getting ready for your holiday.

Rest the day before travelling and a few hours ( while others unpack!) when you arrive to make sure you have energy for fun.

Forward planning is key , so work out the things you really want to do or see on your trip , and space activities with physical exertion between relaxing ones , plus be prepared to be sensible and take rests as you go along.

Keep a water bottle with you at all times as keeping well hydrated helps the body cope with inflammation , drink even if you don't feel thirsty. Take a spritz bottle and cloth to fill with cool water to spray your neck , feet or aching joints for relief on the go .

Let others pack anything you need for each day and prepare things like picnics or meals.

Let others carry any bags or things you need , you don't need to overtax the shoulders and back or use energy unnecessarily.

If you can get a foldable chair to take for sits or to the beach as sitting on a towel on the sand can make your more achy.

Check you have all your medications and take a little pack out with you including bug spray or ointment and , antihistamines, sunscreen etc , as treating things quicker stops little holiday woes from triggering a flare of pain.

Then your holiday will be the break you need and help you get beneficial exercise for the body rather than one that you need a break from when you return , or be dampened by the need for having to retire from the fun to your bed.

Enjoy Cornwall x

[selkie2019 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you for all the advice. I will definitely pace myself. I have bought a bum bag to carry my purse etc and a lovely husband who will keep me grounded. So looking forward to the break.

[Riggs1961 in reply to Blearyeyed]

What great advise I would never have thought of half of that. I’m really looking forward to a holiday soon, I’ve not got the hang of the pace myself yet but I’m learning. I always take my time packing for a holiday by having the cases open on a spare bed and putting stuff in them as I go along.

[Soraya_PMR]

Dare I say “we told you so”? 😉

Good choice to go with 15mg.

Enjoy your break, but remember, prednisolone does it’s thing, you have to do the REST!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Especially the REST!!!!!

[YuliK]

Selkie I'm so delighted for you. Just keep to the schedule which our moderators here have advised you.

Don't reduce quickly. One month at a time, no more than 10% reduction at a time.

Keep your spirit up dear.

YuliK

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

So pleased to hear, but (sorry there’s always a but!), please remember although most if us feel like you do at the beginning, it doesn’t always remain the same!

You do have to consider you have a serious underlying illness that needs managing.

Enjoy Cornwall, but remember not to do TOO much.

[CT-5012]

Please remember that you are not the Duracell bunny but do have fun. 😁

[Oxford8 in reply to CT-5012]

🙂🙂🙂👍

[PMRpro Ambassador]

That's what we like to hear!!!!

[HeronNS]

Great! I've travelled with PMR, both before diagnosis and treatment, and whilst on pred, and every time I've done very well, managed better than at home, actually. Thinking I must find a way to be permanently on holiday....

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

Now there's a thought ...

[Sandradsn]

Have a great time,but rest when you need to.Looks like lovely Padstow 😍