My first tapering experience

[cisy]

Over this period of time I have found Amitripyline 10mg help me sleep. Ive mangaged only to get down to 30mg from 40mg Prednisolone. Will try 25mg next week. I spoke to a lovely nurse practioner a few weeks ago who said just take your time and do what suits your body best. So I am trying. I got down to 30mg too quick and had to go back up but this time I have stuck with it. I have some pain but using a hand held massager is helping with that, and heat. Its the fatigue I am struggling with and I think its the prednisolone that is causing that. I can drive absolutely well but walking is difficult. Like I am pushing against something all the time.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, at these doses I felt like I was permanently walking through syrup. I couldn’t do a 10mg drop because of the withdrawal and 5mg was quite enough. For the first few days I’d be lying down feeling rough. Where is the pain still?

[123-go]

I'm sorry that you're feeling so poorly. What are you referring to when you say you have "stuck with it"? The fatigue is due to inflammation not Pred and you shouldn't be taking less than you need. Your nurse is absolutely correct in saying take your time. Reducing to 25mg will certainly not help.

How long have you had PMR?

[SheffieldJane]

Your nurse practitioner can join our role of honour! Your pain sounds pretty familiar to me ( PMR/GCA/LVV and OA). What was your taper - sometimes if we go too fast it all takes a while to untangle? 2.5 might be a sensible drop for you. Let us know how you get on.

[jinasc]

Cisy was the GCA diagnosis confirmed and what dose started on and date please?

Looking at your post, looks to me too fast a drop but the dates are essential.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Concrete legs or wading through mud - lots of people will remember it. But the fatigue is as much the autoimmune part of the illness - pred may also contribute though that is less common.

Are you still trying to reduce to 10mg so the rheumy can see the symptoms without pred?

[technogran]

I started on 60mg daily two years ago and after a long haul I got down to 9mg prednisolone and was delighted then I thought I'll try 8.5 and see what happens. Well, severe pain is what happened! I've now had a flare up and at the moment am back on 20mg but may have to go up to 22.5 cos the pain is not completely away. My consultant said you only try and taper when there is no sign of pain so I have learned my lesson and that's exactly what I'll do. Do not fight this if you're in any pay go back up. Good luck.