Reducing my preds

[Gran6]

I have been on preds for two and a half years now being diagnosed with GCA ,have reduced very slowly and have just got to 2mgs and I have aching knees and legs,sweating really bad at night and feel very tired am seeing Rhuemy on Thursday my Esr has risen a little anyone else had these symptoms

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You have almost certainly overshot the dose you are looking for: the lowest dose that manages your sysmptoms as well as the starting dose did. What you describe has all the hallmarks of the inflammation escaping from the pred dose and the ESR is showing that - PMR is also a symptom of GCA for some people and is caused by the same underlying autoimmune problem.

I do hope you reumy takes it seriously and doesn't try to blame it on "steroid withdrawal" symptoms - they don't include increasing inflammation even if that is due to the steroid being taken away! Going back to 3mg may make all the difference - and it is a very low dose. It doesn't mean you won't get lower - just not quite yet.

[jinasc]

Gran6, it took me 4 years to get to 5mg with GCA. To get to 2mg in two and a half years ...........is quick.

To get to 2mg in that time is quick with PMR as well.

Reductions seem to fast for me............why not download some of the reductions plans on this site and take them with you and also somebody else at your next appointment.

[SheffieldJane]

I did and had an XRay on my knees, showing some deterioration, but less than the pain would have suggested. They are much better now and I am on lower Pred than during that attack. Sweating was a significant side effect or PMR symptom until I got to my present dose of 5 mgs. I still over- heat if it is really hot in the daytime ( eg hair won't Dry) but ok at night. You may feel significantly better on a couple more mgs. I have had PMR for 3 yrs 4 months and have struggled more at these low doses than before.

[Gran6 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I have GCA ,I don’t think I have PMR I am seeing my consultant tomorrow and I hope he has some answers .

[SheffieldJane in reply to Gran6]

The two conditions are quite closely related. Of course GCA is the most worrying. Good luck with your appointment.

[Gran6 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks