A flare without a dosage reduction

[Skier321]

I have been taking 8.5 mg of prednisone for 30 days with no stiffness or discomfort. I have been reducing at .5 mg since 10 mg I had a flare at 8 mg in December and have been reducing since then. All of a sudden two days ago I have a sore lower pack and sore stiff shoulders. I have played golf and done yard work. I am waiting to see if settles down. I saw my doctor today and he ordered a crp blood test and has left the dosage up to me as he knows I am conscientious. I see my physio tomorrow. Should I go up to 13.5 for a week or two then back to 9 mg and taper again at .5 per month. I got PMR almost exactly 1 year ago your advice is appreciated as always.

[SheffieldJane]

You’re right you’ve overdone things. It’s usually that or a stressful event. Or slight symptoms that you ignore and they build. I hope you don’t have to increase, but a stitch in time……

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Done too much ….hopefully a bit of rest may do the trick…and maybe some painkillers or topical gel/cream may be enough to ease those aches. As you’ve been on same dose for a month doubt it’s PMR per se….but if it doesn’t improve within a few days, a little extra Pred may be required.

[SnazzyD]

If it were me I’d wait a bit before upping the dose and give yourself a week to recover from what sounds like over exertion. This is because you were fine on your dose, did golf and yard work and suddenly you weren’t ok.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd give it a day or two and see if the symptoms improve with rest - because they are more likely to be due to having overdone it than a flare and pred doesn't usually help that.

That said - it can take a month or even longer before the inflammation builds up enough to cuse PMR symptoms but they tend to be more typical of what YOUR PMR is like. What you describe is more like overdoing things in the garden after golf! Sudden isn't typical of a flare because the dose is slightly too low.

Next time - one or the other, not both!!!!!

[JMT_hiker]

Too early in my PMR journey to offer advice, but in my short experience I would say go to last dosage that was effective.