I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago and have tapered to 5 mg/day for
approximately 5 -6 weeks. I had thought I could go slowly to 4, but the
increased stiffness in hips and thighs is troublesome. The quads on the
front of the thigh are not the issue, but the pain in the hamstrings is not
allowing me to be as active as I would like. Could this be some other issue or related to the decreased prednisone? I am nearing 85 years old.
Hi tytto!I think winter really compounds our problems. I would be inclined to stick at 5 mgs until the spring, if your doctor is agreeable. Perhaps some very gentle hamstring stretches would be helpful? I envy your progress.
Sounds as if you have gone below level of Pred required.
As suggested maybe stick with 5mg for a while, and then if possible reduce to 4.5mg rather than 4mg - it doesn’t sound much different, but it’s surprising how much 0.5mg can be.
Plus maybe use a slower taper - this is just one approach - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Hamstring pain/stiffness can be part of PMR - I think your body is telling you that 5mg is just a small step too far. If you can manage at 5mg and the problems aren't getting any worse then fair enough - but if it is worsening you might need 5.5mg or even 6mg to keep stable. They are still low doses and maybe in the spring you will get lower.
Thank you for your encouragement. Perhaps it is winter!!!
Back up to 7 mg/day of prednisone. After 5 days my legs are able to move more freely and the pain in the arms (shoulder to elbow) is disappearing. I had been doing well on 7 mg, tapered to 6 --still kinda OK, but after 3 weeks on 5 mg the OLD symptoms were returning . I believe PMR is still with me: winter or summer..
Inflammation levels raised again
Different symptoms on reducing
A book you should read by Dr Alyson J. McGregor. Sex Matters: "How male-centric medicine endangers women's health and what we can do".
GP won't monitor Leflunomide, has anyone had this issue
Integrity of prednisone tablets
