Tapering terrors

[GerriMc]

I spotted this on a running forum. It’s for those training for the marathon at the end of the month and starting to run shorter distances as race day approaches.

However, I’m really feeling that it applies to me now as I try to get from 3 mgs to 2.

Yes, I’m a bit short tempered but I also have to keep telling myself: this is a marathon, not a sprint! Let’s stop trying to rush to zero...I’ll get there...I will!

[SnazzyD]

And we’ll be on the side lines metaphorically throwing drinks your way and cheering.

[GerriMc in reply to SnazzyD]

Aw thank you, Snazzy. We need a lot of that too! X

[Mary63]

🤙🤙

[bakingD]

Well done am stuck on 5 mg every time I try to get to 4.5mg pain and stiffness comes back who would believe each half mg can make such a difference!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to bakingD]

Many who have been there !

Just not the right time at the moment for you - but one day it will be!

[bakingD in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks am going to leave it for a bit and try again in a few weeks!!I think I feel on the dead slow plan you should be able to keep reducing albeit v slowly but obv not for now!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to bakingD]

No - with any plan - and they are just “plans” - you adjust as you feel necessary. They aren’t set in stone, but just a guide - so don’t ever feel you’ve failed - you haven’t!

If the time’s not right, the time’s not right! Perhaps that should be our mantra! 😉

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bakingD]

However slowly you reduce you are still aiming for one place: the lowest dose that gives the same result as the starting dose did. That isn't necessarily zero and if you get twinges of PMR after dropping 1/2mg then you are there.

It doesn't mean you won't get lower, just not yet. And 5mg is a good place to hang around - one of our favourite rheumies likes to keep patients there for up to 9 months to let their adrenal glands catch up and it does seem to help with the rest of the taper. It is well down into the "physiological range", the amount of corticosteroid your body makes naturally and needs to function.

[GerriMc in reply to bakingD]

Oh it certainly does! It’s strange how our bodies react. I was stuck on six for ages but when I eventually managed to get to 5.5, I then went very easily down to 3. Now a bit stuck again. Not sure what is withdrawal and what is PMR.

I’m on MTX too and would really love to be off it. Rheumy would rather I stay on it until I’m off the Pred.

[bunnymom]

My husband now asks me... Are you tapering? Mood swings and anxiety I believe he's noticing. I say if it's hard on your end how'd you like to be me?