I’ve not had a flare up before now!

[Doraflora]

Hello you fonts of all knowledge on here.

I’ve been on an extremely low taper, having now been on 4.5mg since 1st August.

I gradually developed a little pain in my shoulders but it was something I could live with - until - about a week ago I developed pain across my shoulder blades. It has got worse, to the point I was bent over cleaning the loo (someone has to do it!) this morning and the pain was that bad it made me feel nauseous & I had to lie down.

I had taken a couple of paracetamols earlier and the pain has now subsided considerably.

We have had a very stressful weekend - so has stress caused the flare, and is it actually a flare or something else. That’s why I’m reluctant to whack up my steroid dose.

I’m going to try & speak to my GP tomorrow & see if I can have blood tests done.

I was even thinking about seeing a Bowen therapist.

Sorry for the ramble, but in the 2.5 years since I was diagnosed with PMR I feel I’ve got off very lightly - until now.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My suspicion is that you are not QUITE ready for 4.5mg and you are hovering at your borderline. which has just caught up with you because you have had a stressful weekend.

It is up to you - but remember, a stitch in time saves nine!

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

thanks, PMRpro. You’re probably spot on there.

What do you reckon I should whack up the dosage to? I’d rather take notice of people on here as opposed to a GP!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

If it were me, I'd be inclined to take 10mg for a few days (just a bit of a spring clean of the built up inflammation you can feel) and then go back to 5mg and see how that fits. Two or 3 days is probably plenty.

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

thank ye kindly, oh wise one.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

You can only try - and head a flare off at the pass!

[SheffieldJane]

I use Marcel’s Green Soap toilet freshner. Smells nice and environmentally friendly. Cuts down the necessity for scrubbing. Got it on line. I also seem to be the designated loo cleaner.

[tangocharlie]

I can only speak from my experience, but for me and many others there isn't a way to ride out a flare, the only thing I can do is nip it in the bud and increase the steroids for a few days. If you are taking even a little bit less Pred than your body needs you get what PMRPro calls the 'dripping tap' effect, where the inflammation builds up like a puddle that then overflows. Stress and overdoing it are two common ways of bringing on a flare, but sometimes it seems it can be just random, eg the weather, getting a cold or infection etc etc. I tried to explain this to a doctor recently, that the steroid dose I am currrently on is just about enough to control things, but it doesn't take much to bring on a flare, eg something that would be normal for other people like going on holiday or doing slightly too much exercise.

[Doraflora in reply to tangocharlie]

thanks, tangocharlie. I’ve doubled my Pred this morning but I’m now wondering if my little granddaughter strained my neck in her extra strong hug on Monday.

I’ll see how things go. Thanks for your advice

[tangocharlie in reply to Doraflora]

Remember to tell your doctor about it next time you se them so they know, and can also learn about living with PMR

[PMR2011]

if the Tylenol helped that much I wonder if there is something else going on as it does not usually help PMR pain. May want to have it investigated.

[Doraflora in reply to PMR2011]

I doubled my dose this morning, PMRpro and have had no improvement so far & feel whacked again.

However: I’m now analysing things more and can only think of the extra keen hug my little granddaughter gave me on Monday evening. Perhaps she strained my neck in her eagerness. [how can a 4 year old child be so strong]

I’ll see how it goes for 2/3 days & then contact my GP if no improvement

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

Wasn't me - PMR2011 posted the reply!

Kids can be strong - but also awkward. Have you tried plain painkillers and a bit of warmth?

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

oops, sorry PMRpro!

Yes, I’ve taken painkillers which have definitely eased it a bit & im about to put a heated pack on.

[Doraflora in reply to PMR2011]

on reflection more deeply I’m thinking it could be neck strain from my little granddaughters eager (& strong) hug.

Painkillers have eased it now & im about to slap a warm compress on.

[PMR2011 in reply to Doraflora]

let’s hope it’s that simple! 🤞

[Doraflora in reply to PMR2011]

oh, me too! I so hope so.