Taper or drop Prednisone after initial dosage?

[Macadoo]

Wonder if anyone else has had similar experience...

I have PMR symptoms and also jaw pain ( but no other GCA symptoms). My blood work is negative. GP prescribed Naproxen 1000mg per day and that didn't help so then prescribed prednisone 50mg for 5 days which I started taking today.

GP said he would see how this worked and decide to stop the prednisone or taper. I'm concerned that he will not taper if I'm feeling better.

Any thoughts?

[Hidden]

Hi, if you have GCA then you stay regardless of not wanting to. It sounds like because of the jaw pain Dr thinks its GCA, but it's difficult to assess someone else's thinking!!

I know it's horrible but you need to stick with the drs plan. The taper will/should happen but keep in touch with Dr. Believe me if it is PMR/GCA you might be complaining the taper/reduction is going too fast down the line. I am afraid patience and communication with the Dr is vital. Also make a note of how you feel and if pred helps in terms of pain 1 to 10 scale. Patience macadoo!

[Macadoo in reply to Hidden]

I'll be patient...thanks!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would hope that if it works he will taper - if it doesn't then he will assume it isn't PMR, stop it immediately (because he can safely) and think again. But if it is PMR he is thinking of, I hope he drops it to 25mg immediately - there is no justification at all for 50mg for PMR. I also had jaw pain - and scalp pain and thigh claudication - but they all went with 15mg. But it will be that jaw pain he may be anxious about.

[Macadoo in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply.