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[Pinkpepper]

I’m been on 2mg of Pred for 5 months and have recently very stressed due to family health problems and have suffered extreme left shoulder and neck pain which is now causing a dull headache. Unable to contact GP so have today increased to 10mg, was this the right thing to do, any advice please?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you feel any better with the extra pred? It is certainly the sort of thing the Sick Day Rules would suggest I'm sure - how your GP will react is another matter!

This discussion (and the link) are relevant:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

The shoulder and neck pain MAY be "only" stress making you hunch your shoulders and the muscles protesting violently.

[Pinkpepper in reply to PMRpro]

Only started this morning so hopefully I’ll see an improvement in the next few days. I’m due a telephone consultation with a doctor on Monday and will explain that after two weeks of pain I just needed to try an increase in preds. Everything was going fine until then but a husband with Parkinsons Disease, a poorly 92 year old mother and sons divorce have really taken their toll, very stressed out. Thanks for your input as always.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pinkpepper]

I think the stress bit definitely qualifies for a pred boost. Have your GP or rheumy ever suggested a synacthen test - or at least a baseline morning cortisol level check?

[Greensleeves]

Hi Pink , I could have written this post myself , re extreme family health problems. Difference being I reduced to 3.5mg 3 weeks ago and have awful right shoulder and neck pain with a daily pounding headache. I’m pretty sure it’s stress related and don’t feel increasing Pred will help me . A damned good deep tissue massage , hot baths and peace of mind would probably give relief. Sending big hugs .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Greensleeves]

But just in case it might be worth trying a few days of more pred - if it doesn't make a difference you can drop back to the previous dose straight away. no tapering needed.

[Greensleeves in reply to PMRpro]

Well worth trying PMRpro . Take care

[Pinkpepper in reply to PMRpro]

I think I will until I speak to the doc and get a telling off! Thanks