In addition to PMR I seem to have caught some bug - sore throat, cough, headache, fever and joy of more fatigue and heavy arms. (Stomp, its not fair!)
I tapered to 17 (from 20) a few days ago and have gone back to 18. Should I stay at that or is it a good idea to boost the Pred for a few days till feeling better? or is it irrelevant?
I think you did the right thing returning to 18mg. It may be enough but the main thing is rest, stay comfortably warm and plenty of fluids. It is a pain when you get a bug. I am sure you will get some remedies for each thing but I find tea made with fresh ginger sliced thinly and boiled for 10mins with honey and lemon and 2 paracetamol is as good as any bought drink. But it's a faff if you are feeling rough! Feel better soon..
If the PMR symptoms stay stable there shouldn't be any need to go higher, that is a dose that should manage PMR. You're sure it is a bug - have you got the chesty gunk to go with it?
If you are comfortable PMR wise on 18 mg stay on it and don't try to begin to taper again until at least two weeks after your infection has fully cleared.
If you feel the PMR pain growing over the next few days the bug may have caused additional flare in your inflammation , so returning to 20mg until the infection symptoms have cleared might be necessary.
Otherwise follow the usual infection protocol of rest , warmth, plenty of fluids , vitamin and mineral supplement , soothing gargling of your throat , warm green tea and honey , light nutritious meals and gentle rotation of your joints and little walks in the house to stop you getting pain from becoming too stuff.
Take care x
I think I would increase a bit more because you are running a temperature. I really hope you feel better soon. If you increase for less than a week, you ought to be able to go straight back down.
There is a really bad cold doing the rounds. Mine started with earache, sore throat swollen glands and was horrible. Me and OH are still coughing after 3 weeks. But is just a virus. I agree hot lemon and honey and paracetamol. Not much else you can do unless you are prone to chest infections then I would see a GP. Get well soon
Lots of great advice above.... I'll just add, your poor immune system doesn't know if it's Arthur or Martha.... Lots of rest and fluids...
Wishing you better... Lena 🌻
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