Increasing Prednisolone dosage

[Fiddlersmum]

Since a flare starting 3 weeks ago, and my dosage increasing from 14 to 15 and then to 20 mg, I left a message for my GP who got back to me today to say he's happy for me to stay on 20 mg for as long as needed. I don't suppose I expected anything any different really, but I feel disheartened - after 6 days on 20 mg it's not really dampening down that much, it's a little easier, but still in pain . . . and I fear I may be facing another increase rather than going back down . . . . 12 months into this journey and I feel like I'm back where I started . . . . my apologies for such a negative message but I imagine this is the journey for many of us . . . . thank you for taking the time to read.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Your GP may be happy for you to stay at 20mg for as long as you like - but he is wrong. He should be referring you to a rheumatologist now because the sooner he does it, the sooner you will actually get to see someone. Those are all the hallmarks of the diagnosis having missed something - and it may be important.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Would have expected after 6 days at higher dose you should be feeling better than you are. Perhaps you could try 22.5mg or 25mg for a few days to see if things improve.

If it does, stay there for 3-4 weeks - and then reduce as your body tells you... not necessarily the calendar.

I know you've have a lot of stress recently, but are you trying to live as normal— you can’t! You do need to learn to pace yourself... not easy, but a must.

Obviously, if things don’t improve then you will need to seek more medical advice.

[Fiddlersmum in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you - I was wondering about increasing too - there is another doctor at the practice who I see also, thinking I will do another increase and if not easing in another week then I will make an appointment with her. Because it was only a message this morning I missed an opportunity to tell him that the increase to 20 was having very little impact.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Fiddlersmum]

Ok- sounds like a plan. Let’s hope an increase will sort things out.

[Fiddlersmum in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you - reading my previous message it looks like a bad case of Pred Head - I have two GP's who are my 'go to' . . . . the one this morning was the GP who first diagnosed PMR, he's good but can feel a little 'rushed' at times. The other is a lady who is more measured in her approach, and tends to give the time she feels you need - so fingers crossed I think it's time to try and get an appointment with someone who will perhaps be a little more approachable, and willing to give me a little more time. Thank you so much - today just feels rubbish, but I know we've all had days like this on our journey with this thing!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Fiddlersmum]

We all have rubbish days- even with or without PMR or GCA . Tomorrow’s a new day 😊