Tapering from 2.5mg pred.

[GpaJ]

I have been taking steroids since 2013 and after a few hic-ups/flare ups I eventually got down to 2.5mg daily and was feeling OK. In April this year however I had 4 appropriate shocks from my ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator) and was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where my ICD was replaced. I was aware that the battery was low and it was in line for replacement but the 4 shocks depleted the battery a little too quickly!! About 6 weeks later I chose to have a ventricular tachycardia ablation which has been very successful. I am now keen to reduce my prednisolone dose and wonder if anyone reading this can suggest a tapering plan I could use.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Glad to hear you’re on the up again, after what must have been a very frightening experience.

This is one of many tapers -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Others can be found if you look at Pinned Post - Steroid Tapering Plans - on righthand side of screen.

[GpaJ in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much for this Dorset Lady I had a feeling I would be hearing from you! Thank you.

[Hidden]

That's sounds really a harsh experience. Hopefully, the PMR/GCA will behave when you are following a dsns taper. Good luck!🌻

[Robinsnest72]

So interesting to read you have had an ablation done. I had one approximately 20 years ago and have not had any issues since. I have never had to take heart medication because the ablation worked. I am tapering in my prednisone and have notice a bit of heart arythmia. I sure hope I do not have issues, may I ask how old you are?

[GpaJ in reply to Robinsnest72]

I am the tender age of 78 but my heart problems began when I had a heart attack when I was 42. I had bypass surgery at the time and take quite a lot of medications for the heart, but I feel absolutely fine. Over the last six years I’ve had more problems with fatigue from my PMR than I’ve ever had with my cardiac condition and I am now keen to try to taper myself off the steroid.

[jinasc]

Did they do an Aorta and a Pulmonary scan?

[GpaJ in reply to jinasc]

Having had cardiac problems since 1983 I am sure at some stage I will have had these scans, however with an ICD I am not able to have an MRI scan, but before my recent procedures I did have CT scans

[jinasc in reply to GpaJ]

OK. One of the plans should suit you...........

[tonypne]

I would strongly advise you to see your GP who will advise you and give you a programme to follow.

[GpaJ in reply to tonypne]

Since 2013 I have seen several Rheumatologists and many GPs who all seem to have varying views on PMR and there is never a consistent view or plan to follow. I find the HealthUnlocked site so much more supportive and helpful as you are 'talking' to people with personal experience of tapering steroids successfully.

[Hidden in reply to GpaJ]

I agree Gpaj. People who use one of the dsns plans seem to cope better than the fast tapers set by GP's etc.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to tonypne]

The taper plans on this forum has been well and truly tested over the years and are also recognised by doctors and rheumies who appreciate a slow steady withdrawal.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tonypne]

This

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

is being used in a clinical study in Leeds - how much more approval do you want? Most doctors haven't much idea about tapering in PMR/GCA, they only use pred in the short term until other medications start to work, such as DMARDs in RA and antibiotics in infections. In its way, pred is our DMARD - you need more pred until a lower dose is enough again.