Not sure if it is PMR now

[Urtica]

I posted 9 days ago regarding shoulder/arm pain and stiffness. Briefly I was diagnosed with PMR in Dec 2016 and slowly reduced and stopped Oct 2019. First time round after 2nd day of taking 15mg of pred I was pain free. This time I have been to osteopath and had massage and GP has put me on 15 mg of pred for 3 weeks.

It is now day 13 on 15 mg pred. General stiffness improved but not the ‘miracle’ cure l hoped for. I have read that 2nd time it can be different but pain in left shoulder still there although I can lift arm higher than before to put my deodorant on!

I am beginning to think it might not be PMR so wonder, if it isn’t, how quickly can I reduce from 15mg. Blood tests are always normal so no help there.

Thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You really need to discuss with doctor.

When Pred is prescribed in the case of asthma or COPD it’s only short term, but not sure how long exactly. We always talk about adrenals ceasing to work at the 3 week level - so you’ve only got 8 days to get off it, if that’s your intention.

For a non GCA related problem I did start at 20mg and reduce to zero within 3 weeks, but it was under medical supervision.

We can’t advise on this- you need medical input.

[Urtica in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your quick response. I intend to phone GP on Monday to try to get an appointment to discuss where we go from here. I will let you know how I get on.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The first time I was offered pred it was a short taper: 2 weeks each 15/10/5mg and stop. You could certainly do that after only 3 weeks and possibly even faster as it is unlikely your adrenal function will take long to wake up. Down to 10mg is easy to do quickly, at this stage down to 5mg should be fine too - then I would go in a couple of steps at least.

[Urtica in reply to PMRpro]

It is good to know that I should be able to reduce quickly. I feel more tired, sleep pattern has altered and starting to look like hamster again since being back on 15mg so I don’t want to carry on if it is not PMR. A crystal ball would be useful.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Urtica]

A crystal ball would have come in very useful in my working life as well at home!

[Urtica in reply to DorsetLady]

My husband has just suggested I find myself a nice young Rheumy !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Urtica]

That’s always an option of course.🤣😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Urtica]

Hehe - I have one! A world name in PMR/GCA ...

[Mkirby1]

This same thing has happened to me. Dr. has had me up my prednisone to 15 for the last two weeks with instructions to go straight back to 5. Then if shoulder and arm no better make another appointment as it is not related to pmr.

[Urtica in reply to Mkirby1]

Keep us updated. Hopefully I shall get an appointment with GP on Wednesday. (You have to phone in the morning and beg to be seen).