Is it a flare or ???? weather??

[Musiclady18]

I am currently down to 3 mg of prednisone and was feeling great! Up until a week ago, back to school, a 3 day school week............when I wake up my ankles feel swollen, my wrists and hands (more left) hard to grip ???? Can't figure this one out??? I am wondering should I split my dose and have 1 mg at supper time and 2 mg at breakfast or is this a flare up ???? My rheumy said if I have a problem to go up 1 mg but I am trying not to do so, using sprays for pain???? Any help or words would be greatly appreciated!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd accept your sensible rheumy's offer. Sounds more like 3mg was OK until you added school and now it isn't quite ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Maybe your 3mg was only just enough, and with the added activity of going back to work/school it isn’t now!

As were always saying at such low dose, it’s very easy to go below what you actually need without realising before it’s too late.

As your Rheumy has sanctioned a rise, then I would be inclined to follow his advice.

You may not want to increase by 1mg, but to honest it’s no great shakes in the great scheme of things. And if it’s a flare, then sprays won’t help. So catch it quick, or you’ll end up increasing the Pred even more.

[Musiclady18 in reply to DorsetLady]

Can I ask it seems by 12 noon by body gets "warmed" up and I seem okay??? I know the last time I split my dose that's why I ask again??? When I get down to a low dose 3 mgs, would splitting help ???

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Musiclady18]

It might do, but you won’t know until you try it.

If it doesn’t, then you might find you are below the level you actually need - and there’s only one answer to that. And it might only take 0.5mg rather than 1mg.

[Musiclady18 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady for your reply! I will let you know how I make out!

[piglette]

I have discovered from bitter experience that it is never worth it trying to hang on if you have problems, PMR will always get the upper hand in the end. I agree it is really demoralising having to increase the dose, but it pays off in the end.