Suggestion request after flare up

[Cal-guy]

I'm on my 15th month with PMR and was down to 5.5mg pred and this past week got hit with a 'flare up' which is swelling in one hand/wrist only...and shoulders/neck. Have increased back up by .5mg to 6, but situation persists - Did I move up enough? What is the general thought/practice of upping Pred?

Really appreciate all on this forum and our hearts and prayers go out to all at losing your Queen. She seemed like quite a lady. Our USA surely could use a steady and calming presence like her to balance the opposing issues we are struggling with.

[jinasc]

You have not hit it hard enough - go up to where you were last comfortable and if you cannot remember the amount take 10mg for a few days, then reduce back down to where you were ie 6mg and then use one of the tapering plans.

[Cal-guy in reply to jinasc]

thank you jinasc!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Probably not enough of an increase, the usual recommendation is to increase by 5mg for a short period -7-10 days - to get the flare under control. Then you can reduce back down to just above the dose where the flare happened.

This link gives a fuller explanation- and explains difference between a flare and steroid withdrawal -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Thanks for your condolences on late Queen … she was a special lady.

[Cal-guy in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady for the link!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

IF it is PMR then you need to add 5mg to where you flared for a week or so - i.e. go to 10mg. Then you can drop straight back to the former dose.

However - a flare is usually more generalised, a single joint or one sided symptoms are likely to be something else.

[Cal-guy in reply to PMRpro]

Ok I’ll hopefully have my doc look into that, though to be honest I receive more in-depth knowledge from yourself and others on this form than any medical doctor or rhumy in the states. I think they all see the ‘no cure no cause’ aspect of PMR and check out a bit.

Thanks so much!

Mark