What next - Hydrocortisone?

[IdasMum]

As per previous posts. I am taking 30mg (divided doses) + 7mg (down from 8mg) of Pred.

I emailed my Dr who is away. He may see my message tomorrow or not.

Today is Day 8 of new regime (I could have sworn it was 2 weeks!) and I have had no visible/tangible side effects from the Pred drop. I'd like to drop to 6mg whilst the going is good.

What do you think? I am so impatient and know I SHOULD wait for Dr but.....I normally follow the useful and knowledgable help on here.

Merci xx

[123-go]

IdasMum, the general recommendation is, 'The lower, the slower.' Personally, I would do a full month at the dose you're on- 7mg, but others will advise. My personal opinion is why rock the boat now? PMR and impatience are not good bedfellows. I hope you receive a reply from your doctor soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As I explained before - you are unlikely to notice 1mg less pred when you had just added the equivalent of 7.5mg pred in the form of hydrocortisone. Try the 6mg and see how you get on.

[IdasMum in reply to PMRpro]

Day 11 of new regime. I have taken 6mg of Pred for 3 days. Yesterday I was slow and a little achey. Today not as much so far but I think I will stay at this dose for a while before another step down.

I am feeling much hungrier. We don't eat for 16 hours on Intermittent Fasting, normally the morning up to midday (our first meal) is not too bad. Recently I am much more aware of my hunger.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to IdasMum]

I know others who find the side effects of hydroxycortisone worse than those of pred!

[IdasMum]

Day 16. I am on 6mg Pred and the same (30mg) Hydrocortisone.

I am good. No loss of energy, no fatigue and no PMR type pain.

I HATE SWOLLEN ANKLES!

I have made an appt with my Dr for next Monday to discuss this with him and change (again) my hypertension meds.

Do I, drop another mg of Pred or do I drop 10mg of Hydro? I'd like my ankles back, I'd like to get my sandals on and I'd like to sleep a little better.