Result in from my rapid reduction

[Jancorb]

You may remember in June my new rheumatologist wanted me to reduce down from 7 mg, quickly!

It has been very difficult but I stuck at it wanting to discover the reason. Lots of pain and sleepless nights.

At each stage when things got really bad, had a blood test. Then home again for a couple of days respite doubling my preds.

Then back down another 0.5 mg, ending up on 5 mg for 4 weeks.

Results are that at each stage my immflamuation levels dropped ending up with CRP of 2.

The conclusion I’m in remission from PMR , but the preds masking osteoarthritis. This has now kicked off big time.

I can remain on 5 mg of prednisone for the rest of my life, I’ll also so see an endocrinologist to check my adrenal glands.

Strong pain killers now added to my list of prescriptions.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Ouch - how much good does the 5mg achieve?

[Jancorb in reply to PMRpro]

I really don’t know, my GP a bit surprised, he awaits the letter from the rheumatologist.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jancorb]

How do you FEEL?

[Jancorb in reply to PMRpro]

My joints in my right shoulder, neck, knees now clonking, very uncomfortable as it wakes me up. The new painkillers making it easier but gel that I’ve swapped a condition that I have been coping very well with for 4 years, to one that is now limiting my mobility,

Very depressed.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jancorb]

I don't blame you. It isn't something I would want to be made to discover. Were you pretty OK on 7mg?

[Jancorb in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, but my cholesterol was problem, I’ve hyperlypidemia which has caused early death in my family.

So I’m hoping the statins will now have more effect, but otherwise I would not have wanted to reduce .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jancorb]

You say you can remain on 5mg for the rest of your life - does 2mg make that much difference? I know it does to PMR.