Doctor wants me at 10mg by mid June

[singingloud]

My Rheumatologist wants me to taper from 13-10mg by mid June. I’m doing the dead slow method now to get to 12.5mg. I was planning on staying at that from May 28- through June then taper to 12 the same way.

Do I change up my method to get to 10 by mid June? Thanks

[Hidden]

If what you are doing is working well and you can get pred then why mess with it. When will they learn that it's what works that matters. I often think they try and whiz you down to make you flare and justify their jobs. If you have to due to them having pred control then do 1mg dsns. 🌻

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No - you could tell your rheumy to do it himself. Your body, not his. That is just a ridiculous rate to ask anyone to do and very likely to lead to a flare. It is hard when under stress - and one thing we are under at the moment is stress.

Though I would say if you get to 12.5mg with DSNS you can set off on the next 0.5mg then rather than wait until the end of June. That isn't usually needed at this level. Or, you could do the 2.5mg by using 10mg as new dose on the DSNS approach and see how the first week goes. But don't speed it up - listen to your body. When must you see him next? Who writes your prescription?

[singingloud in reply to PMRpro]

I have plenty of prednisone. I have to call for the next appointment yet. We did a teleconference last Friday.

So start the taper again right away at .5mg or 1mg sound okay? I certainly do not want a flare.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to singingloud]

You could well try 1mg at time at this level - you will know if it is too much.

[singingloud in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Not another awkward medic - are they crawling out of the woodwork?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jinasc]

It seems so - but see my post for a possible reason. But it shouldn't be about reduction at all costs - rather support in avoiding catching Covid.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Just starting to write you an email with an 'off the wall' idea. xxxx

[nuigini]

I would say listen to your body not your rheumatologist and drop in accordance with the plan and schedule that works for you.

If you follow the advice you've been given you could end up in a flare and at an even higher dose than you're at presently.