Overdoing it or relapse?

[spearce]

I have been tapering pred from 18mg at 1/2 every 2 weeks and now at 16, but after a short spell away with lots of driving, pain in hips and shoulders is REALLY bad. I also take Gabapentin for foot pain and can't really distinguish the two as it all merges together. I'm now at 3rd day. Should I wait a bit longer before increasing the pred? I know I am bad at limiting activity. The trouble is, I don't know till it's too late.

[SnazzyD]

Does a couple of Paracetamol help? Personally I find driving is the worst because one holds one’s body in a slightly tense unchanging position; bodies hate that at the best of times. Any postural bad habits join in the party too.

[spearce in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks that makes so much sense.x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it is more likely to be the type of overdoing it! But travelling and reducing at the same time isn't a good idea.

And I fear you must learn your limits!!! And stick to them ...

[spearce in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much.Will learn eventually!

[Hidden]

Get some pillows in the car to prop you against the door. The seat should be low enough so you can plant your feet flat to the floor. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips to free up circulation and nerves. Legs are heavy. The back as straight as you can stand without interfering with control of the car. The pillow down the side of the door should support you so you are not having to hold your body tense to stay in one place. You need to stop every hour and stretch. I had to drive 100miles each way to work for 10yrs...no pmr but chronic back pain and fibromylgia. Be aware that it will eventually get to you if you drive a lot, all the time. Drive safely!🌻

[Theziggy in reply to Hidden]

Wow, 200 miles a day, how long did that take?

[Hidden in reply to Theziggy]

Fortunately, at 5am it was an 1hr and 20 to 30mins....coming home...anything from 2 to 4 hours depending when I could leave work. If I missed 3.30pm then better to leave at 6pm. It killed me 😵🤣🤣🤣

[Theziggy in reply to Hidden]

Sounds like a job in itself !!!!

[Hidden in reply to Theziggy]

Yes. 16hrs a day ...often more "at work".