Going to have yet another go at reducing Prednisolone!

[Purplegloss]

Just had my markers back for my ESR and CRP, and they look ok enough to have another go at coming down again-lost count of how many attempts this will be, but quite a lot! ESR now 6, and CRP 14-down from 29 last time. I am on 6 MG at the moment, and have obtained some 2 and 1/2 MG tablets from my GP, which I don't think he knew about as the chemist had to get them in especially for me, after I saw them mentioned on this site. I tried cutting the 1MG up, but usually ended up with bits, so this should be much better at getting the correct dosage this time. So 1- 2 and a 1/2 MG plus 3 ones using the slow method, which I have just copied down. I did read on here that if I get there without pain, then I can carry on to the next level-5MG, but not sure if this is correct or not. Should I wait a month if I am ok or not? I have had PMR since October 2017.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you have had previous issues then I would be inclined to give at least 2 weeks between tapers, just to make sure.

But the overriding factor should be how YOU feel - not necessarily the blood markers. ..

If your CRP is 14 then that is still a bit on the high side.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Since you have had problems before and you are at relatively a pretty low dose you should go SLOWLY! There is no shame in slowing the taper down even further if you need to and having a couple of weeks at the new dose before starting on the next 1/2mg.

Is there any other reason why the CRP should be still up a bit? Chesty cold or something?

[Purplegloss in reply to PMRpro]

No, I don't remember the last time I had a cold, and 14 is the lowest it has been for me. It was 129 in October 2017, and I am feeling good at the moment.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplegloss]

Fair enough then - knowing your own figures is really important.

[Boss302Fan in reply to Purplegloss]

The factors have never been near zero? I’d suggest staying at the 6mg for another week not decrease by more than 10% of current dose so, 0.5mg. If you start to feel a twinge I’d immediately go back to 6mg.

[Mischevious]

From my experience, really slowly is the best option. It could be quicker in the long run if it avoids increasing again

[PoolePerson]

My advice is snail pace - I didnt have any pain issues when reducing down from 7 to 0 but I went down very very slowly after a flare up from the first time reducing. Take months with each reduction its worth it in the end!

[Ladyoak]

I started on 30 mg last year and came down quickly to 10mg. But then I tapered too quickly and was in pain with 5 mg. My GP suggested that I went back up to 8 mg through the winter and since the warmer weather, I tapered by 1/2 mg each time so presently on 6 1/2 and feeling good. I shall try that for another month then see how I get on with 6 mg then 5 1/2. It is a slow process. Hope you get it sorted.

[Purplegloss in reply to Ladyoak]

I started tapering yesterday with 5 and a half MG, and will let you all know how I get on this time-I am using the slow method. At my last blood test they tested my vitamin D level, which came back as abnormal at 35, and I received a phone call from my GP who advised me to start taking Calceos again, however after reading info on this site, I have decided to try the vitamin D 4000 iu instead. so started that yesterday as well, so far so good, and hopefully this time going from 6MG to 5 and1/2 MG will go better than last time. I had previously got to 5MG about 6 months ago,, and had stayed at that for several months, but Rheumy said to come down 1 MG a month, which sent me off into a flare. Due to talk to her again in July, but may disobey orders depending on if I think she is right or not.