Reducing for 2nd time

[margiebell4]

I was diagnosed about 4 and a half years ago and thought my PMR had burnt itself out. I reduced to zero using the very slow method and was ok without pred for a few weeks before the symptoms started to return. I’ve gone back to 5 mg which has relieved the symptoms. My question is, do I need to reduce as gradually as I did before?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you used the very slow method and had been fine at 2mg and 1mg the chances are you can drop straight back to 2mg within a week or 10 days or so, probably longer, at 5mg.

When you get to one it pays to stay there for a few months to be sure IT is enough. Then that last 1mg can be done so slowly you go to sleep!

[meandpmr in reply to PMRpro]

In real terms how do you recommend reducing from 1mg. I’ve been here at 1mg for over a year. PMR 9 years. Thank you so much.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to meandpmr]

First I'd use DSNS to get to 1/2mg daily. And then I would use DSNS to get to zero in the same way - and probably run each stage at least twice. I do know of people who were fine on 1mg every couple of days. But zero was a step too far.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Bronni in reply to PMRpro]

Every time I try to get to .5 or zero, I get something worse than my completely controlled symptoms of pmr. Pleurisy, costochondritis(2), and currently thyroiditis! I know you’ve mentioned others on a permanent very low dose of pred. I guess that’s me! ( 1mg per day, pmr for almost 5yrs) - Bronni.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bronni]

If I had that experience you wouldn't catch me dropping my daily pill!!!!

[Bronni in reply to PMRpro]

I know, right? I guess that makes me some kind of stupid! I just need to give up on the zero quest! Thx.