Dose.

[Flosy]

Hi.can u up dose.without asking dr.or rheumatologist. If u are getting headaches and tiredness.thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Most of us who do that have an agreement with our doctors to make small adjustments - but it is the doctor who holds ultimate responsibility so should always be included in the decision at some point. Mostly it is fine tuning the dose during a reduction.

However - if you are worried the headache may be GCA, you need to speak to a doctor. A better way to approach it is to try ordinary pain killers - GCA won't respond to that so that is another prod to seek medical advice. And pred isn't the way to manage fatigue - the boost higher doses gives is a false friend and encourages you to do too much. Fatigue must be managed by non-medical measures, adjusting lifestyle, there is no magic pill.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk......

Beware of trying to do more than your body is capable of - sometimes it results in a real flare.

[Flosy in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you..

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

We sometimes recommend - but that’s usually for more experienced members who have an agreement with their doctor to amend dose.

In your case, I would say not until you have contacted doctor - difficult I know in these times - but tiredness is part of the illness, and you need to be sure what the headaches are.

[Flosy in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi.thank you for your reply.

[Flosy in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi.i have found that a couple of paracetamol do help the headaches.do u think is to do with my shoulders aswell.thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Flosy]

If paracetamol help, then it's unlikely to be PMR

[Flosy in reply to DorsetLady]

Ok.thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

And even less likely to be GCA.

[Cyclegirl54]

Check with Gp first before upping the dose and switch to life in the slow lane to manage fatigue . I put my feet up after lunch - I find it revives me . I’m on 3mg and nearly 3 years in!

All the best🌸

[Koalajane]

My doctor has let me manage my dose. She guided me through the first 6 months and then said she thought I could cope on my own but if I needed to check my ESR to ask for a blood test

[Flosy in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you.

[Harrywogan]

Hi Flosys just take it easy I was walking 4 miles and swimming all in same day was down at 4mg and had a flare and had to go back to 7mg was not a happy bunny, I now only do one or the other so hang in there.