Hi everyone. First post here but I’ve been following for some time. I was diagnosed with PMR in 2018 and started on 20mg of Pred. I’ve been reducing gradually like many over last three years. I was hoping to get off completely before now but several times when moving from 5 to 4
Found my hands stiffened up significantly.
Now down to 1 mg and close to freedom. Wondering if the final step to zero is easy or if I should beware of flare ups after. I’m on Alendronic acid once a week and Advil daily. Should I stop these too? Thanks. Bob UK.
Back on pred 6 months after coming off actemera 
Off Pred
Off Pred 
Wanting to get off pred asap
Time needed to taper off pred...
You do need to be aware of flare ups, but it really depends on whether your PMR has gone into remission…Are you having any hand issues at 1mg? - just be aware of them as that seems to be YOUR indication all is not right.
I would reduce to 0,5mg first, see if that’s still okay before trying to go to zero….0.5mg can make much more difference than a lot realise - doctors included. And maybe a slower taper (if not already) so it takes weeks to get from 1mg to 0.5mg and then 0.5mg to zero rather than overnight drop.
You should be okay to stop AA. ..but do you know bone density situation, had a recent DEXA scan? Maybe discuss with GP.
Why are you on Advil? shouldn’t be taken with Pred.
Good luck, you may get a return of normal aches and pains, so don’t assume very little niggle is PMR, but just be aware.
Sorry. Typo. Adcal not Advil.
Did wonder…. I stayed on that after Pred, still am, 5 years on. Was suggested on last DEXA scan notes….personal history…quite happy.
Have bizarrely had a swollen big toe for last couple of weeks. Any connection? Looks like gout!
Does it hurt? Gout is PAINFUL!
Could be - but steroids usually help it ….believe in the dark ages (not literally) PMR was called pseudo gout.
Far worse than that - senile rheumatic gout!!!!!
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
I'm not senile yet thank you!!
Psuedo gout is a thing though - similar symptoms but different crystals causing the joint irritation.
Yes can recall seeing “senile”!in description before - anything to cheer the patient!
As we have said before, too many things to go wrong as you age - but beats the other alternative!
Original paper only included male subjects I think though
of course! 🤦🏻♀️
If it IS gout it is VERY painful. Mine started in my 40s and the pain lasted for over a year. Then it settled down and I was able to walk much more comfortably. If the uric acid is high it will continue for longer. Mine settled down and only every now and again do I get a crystal attack- which is ‘more than’ excruciating.😫