I’ve had PMR for nearly 7 years. In that period, I’ve tapered prednisone many times, occasionally reaching dosage of 2 mg. Each time, circumstances and situations have caused the dreaded “flares”, necessitating increase of my pred dose. Currently I am at 6.5 mg.
As I undertake the current taper, I realize I don’t know what is going on. I started this taper at 10 mg. Pred, where I had been for several months. I started the slow half mg. Taper, giving myself weeks at each level, before dropping the next half mg.
Now, the confusing part....The only symptoms of pred withdrawal have been some brief periods of fatigue, a little more tiredness, and some sluggishness around daily activities. Otherwise, no returning pains, which I have previously experienced as I tapered to new doses.
I am wondering what is different this time....not that I’m questioning my good fortune, ...but it seems like this is being easier than ever before...!
So, Forum wise ones,...can I actually be tapering out of Active PMR?! I guess only time will answer the question,...but I am beginning to feel optimistic about finally reaching a point of remission of the active stage of PMR.
I think it’s important to say that as I ease through my PMR stages, I find more and more evidence of aging that has continued to develop alongside PMR issues. Recent MRI showed significant level of arthritis in spine, which is much worse than in 2013. Well, Duh,...as the anti inflammatory effects of prednisone reduce, I expect to discover “normal” aches and pains which had been masked by the drug.
So, I keep my fingers crossed that I am finally seeing the end of this wretched disorder...time will tell...