Tapering down from Prednisone

[Bagama]

Under GP instruction I am tapering down my dose of prednisone from 2.5mg to 2mg a day , resulting in agony in all the usual places , but I am most concerned with the cough and shortness of breath I am experiencing ,. the stiffness of joints and sweats and sore eyes ,she seems to think that it is a result of being on prednisone for a long time, its been 6yrs now . Could anyone please tell me if they are experiencing or experienced the same symptoms.

[SnazzyD]

All those things can come with Covid too or has this been going on for a long time? If so, possibly some large vessel involvement or GCA? Possibly a clot? Low adrenal function can make you feel all over unwell and a bit fluey, so it might be worth asking for a Synacthen test, which they should be doing really. I wouldn’t expect such a low dose to be giving you a cough and shortness of breath, so I’d want the doc to explain the mechanism of these symptoms if it is 2mg Pred.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sounds more like a flare of the PMR to me - sounds very like mine!

A couple of weeks ago in a webinar Prof Dasgupta said he keeps patients on 2-3mg for a long time, sometimes life, as it seems to reduce relapses.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SheffieldJane]

Because these symptoms can also point to Covid 19, I would ring 111 for advice on what to do. I hope you are ok!

[Bagama in reply to SheffieldJane]

thank you for the reply, I have submitted a covid 19 test, and awaiting a reply ,which hopefully should be with me with in a few days.

[yogabonnie in reply to Bagama]

Please keep us posted on the result. And take care! I had a terrible time once I ht 2mg. and now back to 7. going slowly back down I hope!

[Bagama in reply to yogabonnie]

Thank you for your reply. I haven't had a reply from the Corona virus test, but blood tests have come back for inflammatory markers ,and I have had a call from the surgery to make a telephone appointment with my GP for next week . I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't find myself going back up to a higher Prednisone level. feel pretty grim at moment . I will let you know how I go. fingers crossed!

[Bagama in reply to yogabonnie]

hi yogabonnie, I now have my covid 19 results and pleased to say they are negative . so very relieved, but isolating as much as possible .

[yogabonnie]

So glad you are negative but isolating!!! Keep on taking good care. and thanks for responding!