So sorry

[Vidag]

Its the brain fog. I’m actually reducing from 5.5 to 5mg. Its the 1day new dose 6 days old - 1day new 5 days old and so on for 26 days then whole thing in reverse. 52 days in total to reduce to target and then start again. I used to take tabs at 2am but changed to 7 am ish when l got down to 7 mg.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

That’s the DSNS plan -originally posted by PMRpro -but no matter what method you use -if you go below the dose you actually need you will have issues.

Were you okay on 5mg -really okay I mean, not just okay. If so, I might be inclined to go back there for a few weeks -and then try tapering again.

As you’ve only had PMR for 2years, there may still be quite a long way to go, and there really is no rush to decrease.

As for the fatigue-may well be due to adrenals struggling -have a look at this post which covers all aspects of them - as f msg help -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Just a question -why have you changed your time for taking Pred?

Note this is a follow up from previous one posted earlier today….”would reflexology help”

[Bridge31 in reply to DorsetLady]

Strange that no one has actually answered the reflexology question. Reflexology treatments are a very pleasant experience but I doubt they would give any more than temporary relief.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bridge31]

Perhaps no-one has gained a benefit- as I said I have no knowledge -so cannot comment as such.

[Vidag in reply to DorsetLady]

I have been urged all along by my GP to reduce pred no matter how l was feeling. My last conversation with her was early December and she clearly wasn’t happy with me not having reduced as fast as she thought l should. I requested blood test and told by receptionist my ESR levels were just outside normal range. At that point having read an article re the adrenal glands needing to be reawakened together with being totally fed up of waking up at 2am to take the Pred l decided to change to taking them at breakfast time. I can only say that l feel that each reduction has been a bit of a struggle but now feel that I’m going backwards not forward.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Vidag]

Oh dear, another doctor that really doesn’t understand how long PMR can last for some people. The problem is, unless they have had a few patients with it, they believe what they read in the text book…which may be correct in some cases, but certainly not all.

Have to say I agree about the 2am wake up, if it doesn’t makes things noticeably better, then take Pred at a more sensible time (it’s all about what suits you and your illness).

Not quite sure how you can convince your GP she is wrong…..but if your inflammation markers are higher than they ‘should’ be, perhaps she should be taking more notice if what YOU are saying about your illness.

Maybe have a look at this post -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[OldPenny]

Hi Vidag

I just wanted to follow up DL's question: "Just a question -why have you changed your time for taking Pred? "

My understanding, from reading the bumf on adrenal glands posted here, is that below a dose of about 7.5mg the artificial cortisol (pred) should be replaced by the body's own.

It was also inferred that taking pred at peak cortisol (i.e. 8amish) would help in this regard.

Personally, I'm still struggling on 12mg and am experimenting with splitting my dose to counter night pain and poor sleep.

Just thought that this might be an answer to DL's question but am looking forward to hearing your reason.