Life on Pred is bearable

[Lollybygolly]

I’ve always been massively active (horses, farming etc) but RA flares and the overuse of nurofen/Voltarol kept me going with quite bad joint damage. When I could no longer manage (live alone) I was given Prednisolone. The joy! I can’t do it all but I’m much more alive, thank God. I’ve taken up painting and sold quite a few pictures. Life is good, even with manageable flares. But. I’m down to 5mgs pred and even though I’m 2st heavier than January when I started, my eye test was ok, and my angina not worse. My Doc talks about reducing pred. I don’t want to be immobilised as I’m single in my own home. How can I persuade them I’m ok on 5mgs... hungry but I have a life now.

[123-go]

I love your positivity and how your newfound painting talent has lifted you. How long have you been on 5mg pred?

[Lollybygolly in reply to 123-go]

Thanks! I started on 10mgs in Jan, haven’t seen specialist since. Phone calls to my GP pitching to stay upright on the wonder drug, downplaying weight gain etc..ignoring moon face and hump..argh. But otherwise very happy with my current levels of mobility. Now at 5mg. Tried for 5-6 days to cut them out but couldn’t get my trousers socks or bra to cooperate. So on 5mgs for now.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lollybygolly]

You can ‘cut them out’ once you been on them longer than 3 weeks, in fact it could be dangerous to try. You need to taper them gently - but to be honest 5mg is a very low dose, and shouldn’t be causing you any issues.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Better to try to reduce and be clear if it doesn't work. It is OK if you react quickly to signs of a flare. I also insist on quality of life being above pred dose - I'm lucky, I have doctors who agree!