adrenals and pmr

[Yellow-dog]

I am struggling to taper below 5mg prednisone, currently alternating 3.5/4 where I’ve been for a few weeks. I feel unwell, lots of fatigue, headachey and returning pain. Is this a symptom of struggling adrenals? Has anyone else experienced this?

im thinking of going back to 5 mg. Thankyou in advance for any thoughts.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sounds like both adrenals struggling (fatigue, headache) and too low a dose for your PMR (returning pain) - so might be wise to return to 5mg to at least get PMR back under control…

…see this re adrenals - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Returning pain sounds more as if you have overshot the dose you were looking for: the lowest effective dose. You aren't reducing relentlessly to zero - you are titrating the dose to find the lowest dose that gives you the same relief as the starting dose did. But the other things could be adrenals lagging behind. You have two things to balance now,

[piglette]

I stayed at 5mg for several months as my adrenals were not too happy having to wake up. It is quite a good dose to stay on I feel.

[Meggsy]

Like piglette I also was on 5mg for a few months. Presently 1mg.

[Loyd]

likewise I have got down to 4mg twice before and then at 3.5 mg experienced a bad flair. I’m back down to 4mg again and really scared to try 3.5 again. May wait a couple of months before trying the slowest possible taper. Good luck I hope you find the right path.

[Poshdog in reply to Loyd]

i am just attempting 3.5mgs after 2 years on 4mgs. Unfortunately there never seems to be a peaceful time to reduce. Good luck, thoughts are with you

[Bridge31]

I’m staying on 5 until the New Year then trying again. I had a flare at 3.5 like Loyd.

[Loyd]

Fingers crossed for you. Go very slow!

[billydownunder]

If it was me (which it isnt ) i would be content to stay on 5Mg permantly if it makes your quality of life a lot better........unless you are experiencing side effects that you do not like... ..........remember it is not a race to the finish ,.......more like getting to a low dose that lets you live ok while still controlling your PMR............

I wouldnt be jumping my dose up and down so quickly ,it doesnt have time to really

take effect........

So ......i would stay on 5 Mg .. then drop the dose SLIGHTLY every couple of months .just to see the results.....and take it from there ....(how ever it is always your call........)