Taper question...

[Zareda]

Do I continue to taper with shingles or do I hold at a steady dose or increase?

[SheffieldJane]

It depends on how you feel really. If PMR symptoms start definitely halt your taper and consider a small increase if you think a flare is threatening. If your PMR symptoms increase further a few more mgs might help initially. Check with your doctor. Your immunity is compromised and more Pred will increase that effect.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Definitely no reducing. I know you’ve seen ER about shingles - maybe ordinary painkillers may help if you’re in pain ?

[Hidden]

I would be tempted to stay where I was. You can get cocodamol otc so pain can be controlled better from shingles.

[jinasc]

Dorset Lady has it spot on. No reducing at all. BTW where has shingles hit, face, upper body?

[Zareda in reply to jinasc]

The shingles are on my face and in my mouth. I was just starting to taper from 15mg when this happened. I’m not feeling PMR flare but I am definitely stressed. I think I’ll hold at 14mg for now.

[jinasc]

I wrote this in reply to another thread today on shingles. It might be worth your while to read it.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Zareda in reply to jinasc]

Thank you so much!

[Blearyeyed]

As others have said , don't reduce and use Paracetamol to help with the Shingles pain.

[nuigini]

If it were me, I wouldn't even think about reducing until the condition was well and truly GONE.

[Zareda in reply to nuigini]

I called my rheumy because I keep vomiting and was afraid I’m dropping well below my current dose. That only aggravated me. I was told not to worry about the steroids just try not to get dehydrated. I said well I don’t know how to adjust the dose when I am getting sick every time I take it....their answer was sounds like you have a virus...duh! They completely missed the point of how that could be affecting my steroid dose. They were absolutely useless. Guess I’m on my own. Sorry for the rant, but only those on steroids could appreciate my frustration with the dr.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Zareda]

What a numpty! As long as your tablets stay done for an hour or so you should be OK. If not, speak to your GP who MAY have a bit more idea about long term corticosteroid patients' need for their steroids. If you feel really unwell - call the emergency services and tell them the situation.

[Zareda in reply to PMRpro]

It just amazes me how the rheumatologist doesn’t want to deal with anything that he can pass off to someone else. I see it as all of this revolves around the steroids. I get that it is a possibility with a suppressed immune system, but they should be able to tell me how to compensate with dosage. You are all so much more informed then my drs. I can’t tell you enough how much you have helped me already! I appreciate each & every response.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Zareda]

They can be a strange breed! I came to the conclusion they rather naively chose rheumatology thinking it was an easy option with no nights and weekends on call! Then they discovered they can't cure the vast majority of their patients and get depressed ...

[Thelmarina in reply to Zareda]

It seems a post code lottery! My GP has told me to go hospital if I vomit over a couple of days so that I get the fluids I need and can resume steroids. He’s very aware of issues related to steroid withdrawal. I’d call 911 if you’re in the UK and get better advice. Good luck! 🌺