Stiffness in ribs / chest area

[CarolF1312]

Hi All, I'm currently slow tapering from 7mg to 6.5mg following a flare when I got down to 4.5mg.

I'm experiencing some slight stiffness in my shoulders and hips/legs which I think is due to withdrawal. However, I also have a new area of stiffness in the chest/ribs when my Pred dose is due. That is, if I take a really deep breath , cough or sneeze my ribs feel very sore.

Has anyone else experienced similar?

[SheffieldJane]

Yes. It maybe Costochondritis, very painful inflammation of the tendons that support your ribs. Rest and painkillers are the solution. Mention it to your doctor if you are worried.

[CarolF1312 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for your fast response Jane. Thankfully, its not exactly painful at the moment, just stiff and strange feeling like bruised ribs. Never a dull moment with PMR !

[Blossom20 in reply to CarolF1312]

It sounds like the sort of pain you get after you've been doing sit ups or other core strengthening exercises.....you haven't been doing Pilates or something have you?

[CarolF1312 in reply to Blossom20]

Exactly Blossom! I wish, I could say Yes its the core exercises. I remember that feeling well. But no, my core, is sadly neglected these days!

[Ceathrua498]

Hi CarolI’m feeling exactly the same with the pain in my ribs. It’s my left side and when I go to sleep it hurts even more when I lie on that side

[CarolF1312 in reply to Ceathrua498]

Sorry to hear you're also suffering. Do you find its mainly when your Pred is wearing off ? I take my Pred between 2am and 4am and by evening I'm feeling stiffness in ribs.

[Ceathrua498 in reply to CarolF1312]

I've been reducing from 30mg and I'm now at 5mg but I feel the pain in the ribs when I get to about 10mg. I've been doing this tapering for 6yrs now and I've never been able to get lower than 5mg without having a full flare up

[scrambledegg]

When I am trying to reduce my dose, the first sign I have gone too far is when it starts to hurt to breath due to painful ribs and stiffness across my chest. If is was me I’d be thinking I’d reduced half a mg. too much… yes that tiny amount is all it takes!

[CarolF1312 in reply to scrambledegg]

That's really interesting.I've always felt pain in shoulders/ legs first when tapering so this is new to me.

Like many of us I hate taking Pred and I'm under pressure from my Rheumatologist to reduce. However, I'm determined to take it slowly this time. Amazing the difference 0.5mg can make.