flare advice

[Suedeshayes]

Hi. I had tapered down to 2.5mg after 5 years of polymyalgia. However, hand and wrist joints were a bit painful. I then tried to taper slowly to 2mg. My hands, wrist and arms became painful, more so in-the morning, and then back and neck. I decided this morning to go to 7.5, an increase of 5mg and I feel so much better, more energy and not much pain.

How long do I stay at 7.5mg? Do I then go straight back to 2.5 or somewhere in between? Any advice please.

Thanks, Sue.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This gives usual advice for treating a flare, and I would be inclined to drop to 3mg rather than 2.5mg as that is the dose where issue started -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Suedeshayes in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks. That’s just what I needed to know. xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Where were you last good? I wouldn't go below 3mg if it were me

[Suedeshayes in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I think that would be wise. Thanks. x

[Lochy]

Did you ever have hand and wrist pain before? I’ve had PMR for 6.5 years (gosh I’m shocked when I write that!!) and have struggled to taper. Various aches but never in my hands. Since starting etanercept in January which is one of the biologics I have tapered to 4.5 which is the lowest I’ve ever been and makes me feel like I’m at the top of the class 😇 aching right hand and fingers only in the morning started a few months ago, a few stretching exercises sorts them out. My rheumatologist has diagnosed OA in my right hand using ultrasound and in my right foot. I wonder whether these have been disguised by the higher doses and old age is catching up….. I’m 63!! I’ve started using flexiseq as often suggested on here so fingers crossed, if I can, that it works. Any OA with you or do you think it’s definitely a flare?

[Suedeshayes in reply to Lochy]

Hi Lochy. Thanks for your reply. I haven’t really had much arthritis and not in hands and wrist, so I’m looking on it as a flare. Adding the 5mg has helped enormously which indicates a flare, I think. It’s a pain having polymyalgia but life just throws different conditions to people and we have to get on with it. Good luck on your journey. Sue.