Quick reduction help

[Mamamia21]

I have finally got an appointment for an MRI of my neck on the 23rd of November. This leaves me 4.5 weeks to drop 2mg. I have been told that I need to be on 5mg on the day of my MRI. Any suggestions about the best way to do this?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I would go for 0.5mg a week……and keep my fingers crossed.Good luck.

[MrsNails in reply to DorsetLady]

I’d agree 🍀 & take it easy - no plans to do anything major!

[Mamamia21 in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks, I will. I'm home for the next few weeks with no real plans so can take it easy... I think this will be hard...

[MrsNails in reply to Mamamia21]

But taking it easy will help 🙏🏼

[Mamamia21 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks... Not looking forward to this... 😒

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Mamamia21]

No, but if it’s got to be done, needs must…..but as MrsNails says take things as easy as you can.

[SnazzyD]

0.5mg per week and keep the diary free

[Prahran]

Hi Mamamia21! May I ask why you have to adjust your pred dose before an MRI? I’m booked in for an MRI on my knees next week but have not heard anything about reducing pred beforehand. I may have to ring and find out if I should.

[Mamamia21 in reply to Prahran]

Hi, Prahran good question! I have been told that unless I am down to 5mg any problems may be masked by the steroids. I am going to ask again today as I have also started on Methatrocsate which I think is going to be hard enough without introducing a significant drop in the next 4 weeks. I will let you know what I find out.

[Karendeena in reply to Prahran]

I was going to ask the same question! I had an MRI (abdomen) back in July and wasn't asked to adjust steroids, think I was in around 8mg at that point

[Mamamia21 in reply to Karendeena]

I am going to ask today and will feed back once I have an answer... 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Prahran]

It probably depends what you are having it done for. If it is inflammation the pred will suppress it, if it is structural it won't matter.

[Janstr]

I’ve just had an MRI on my pancreas & they didn’t ask what drugs I was on. They were however very concerned about the titanium clip I have in my head from the GCA biopsy. Even though I had a letter from the surgeon saying it was ok to have an MRI with the clip, they said that they would use a lower output ( probably not the terminology they used, but something like that) to be sure it would be ok.I had been told by someone to ask for an eye covering while having the MRI to block out the lights& did this.

[Alebeau]

Sounds impossible to me. I reduce by .5 MG every month and even that has failed me 3 times when I cross 9 MG. Now on Leflunomide so I am hoping to get even lower and maybe quicker. 5 would be great.

[Miserypants]

Iam on 10mg and hsd MRI on my liver a month ago with contrast dye and didn't have reduce steroids

[Spanky2019]

I have had mri's on knees, back, neck at different levels of prednisone and it was never a consideration.

[Mamamia21 in reply to Spanky2019]

Thanks! I am beginning to think that I should stay at 7mg and ignore the suggestion that I reduce to 5mg. Enough people have now said that they have had MRI's without reducing...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mamamia21]

As I said above - it will depend what the MRI is being done for. If it is signs of inflammation - pred will mask it and that would produce a false negative result.

[PMRCanada]

I too have had an MRI of both knees, and of my pancreas, and no mention of my pred dose. I did have to have my creatine level checked before my contrast MRI of my pancreas (which I believe is connected to solution used when performing a contrast MRI).

I could never drop 2mg in that short of a time, without suffering considerably and likely flaring.

Wishing you all the best navigating your situation.

[Megams]

~My neck has caused discomfort & pain + occasional migraines since PMR diagnosis 2015.

Rheumie has adjusted neck many times since + had several prolotherapy injections in & around sore areas - seemed to work wonders for a time. Always thought this was PMR related but unsure now.

A recent head/neck MRI scan (due to medium swellings/odema lower neck) revealed a fracture between C4 & C5 - came as complete shock to me & is under further investigation as Rheumatologist actually discovered this, not Radiologist.

The fracture not connected to medium swellings/odema in neck.

Had nasty fall/s 3 to 4 years ago - didn't seek medical intervention at time but may have done damage then......

Please keep us posted and good luck ~

[Mamamia21]

Thanks for all your replies... I was unable to get hold of the dr yesterday to ask about reducing the steroids so quickly so will try again on Monday.

I have had serious neck pain now for at least 6 months which started nearly a year ago. It has taken this long to get an MRI...

My problem is that I started on Methotrexate on Thursday and was told by the doctor not to reduce my steroids for now... the same day I get the appointment for MRI where the Rheumy has said that I need to be down to 5mg so they can see what is wrong. It has sent me into a tailspin as I am now really unsure what to do. I am worried enough about the effects of Methotrexate without a quick reduction too.

My plan is to get hold of the dr on Monday and let them make the decision. Then at least I have done what I can.

Thank you for all your replies, it has been reassuring that so many of you have had MRI's at higher doses... here's hoping that I can stay where I am and just focus on what I am doing now.