How to manage a flare?

[Smithson]

Hi, I was diagnosed in December 2018 and have managed to get down to 7mg pred. Been managing to control symptoms until last couple of weeks when niggling symptoms returned - pain in shoulders and neck, particularly during the night. Now appear to be in full blown flare, general stiffness and pain in legs, shoulders, neck and hips. Went to GP Tuesday, blood test results back show increase inflammation so she has advised to increase to 10mg. Have been doing this anyway since Tuesday but symptoms not easing. Should I risk going up further or give it a few more days on 10mg? Thanks.

[SheffieldJane]

It is early days for you. Take advice about increasing further.

[Smithson in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks, will do.

[Hidden]

I was in a similar position after 8months. The Dr put me up to 12mg from 8mg and it took a while for it to work. A few weeks later I went to see rheumy who put me up to 15mg. I am not saying you will go through that but just wanted to point out that a quick taper can lead to a flare and in fact my bloods were higher with flare than at the point of dx. 4 days of higher dose should be working a bit at least... Perhaps ask for Dr a call back with Dr to see if you can raise again?

The Dr is being cautious and obviously doesn't want you yoyoing but with a weekend coming up you need a strategy.

[Smithson in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Poopadoop, that is good advice. I didn't spend long on the higher doses of pred and as you say, tapered quite quickly. There was some improvement yesterday having been on the 10mg for 2 days but had a really bad night last night, awake and in pain from 2.30am! So the pains feel much worse today. I will give the surgery a call and see if I can speak to a GP.

[piglette]

Going up 5mg often sorts things out. You should check with your doctor if that is OK. You have reduced quite quickly although some people have no problem, and some of us are just slower. It is silly to be in pain when just a couple more mg could possibly sort it out.

[Smithson in reply to piglette]

Thanks piglette, I am hoping to speak to a GP soon but I agree, it seems sensible to go up just that bit further to clear the inflammation.

[piglette in reply to Smithson]

You could always make a phone call and leave a message.