referral required?

[AnniesRyder5]

I was only diagnosed a couple of months ago after asking my GP to test me for inflammation. I started on 15mg/day now on 10/mg.

just wondering - after /if things get back to normal, is it likely he will refer me to a rheumatologist ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not necessarily unless you have complications - a GP is normally quite capable of dealing with PMR...although having said that he has reduced you very quickly from 15 to 10mg.

From now on you need to be reducing more slowly - 1mg a month, (or less if you begin to get an return of symptoms).

You are tapering to find the LOWEST dose that gives you the same relief as your starting dose - not reducing relentlessly to zero come what may.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Most PMR patients in the UK are managed by GPs - the only reasons for referral tend to be difficulty in reducing the pred dose, very atypical presentation (young age for example) or progression to GCA>

If you were only diagnosed a couple of months ago and have got from 15 to 10mg already, I do hope your GP is aware the rate of reduction MUST slow right down from 10mg? 1mg per month is more than enough.

[jinasc]

For ease, take a look on the right hand side and under Pinned Posts there are Tapering Plans. Take a look at them all and choose.

The most used is this one. DSNS.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Just thought this might help.

[Telian]

Not necessarily and particularly during Covid. But your GP is reducing you too fast - see DL and PMRpro’s reply.