Is this a start of a flare

[Maudie19]

Been slow tapering for a long time and down to 7 going down to 6.5 mg. Took my 7 two days ago so had two days of 6.5.

This morning work up with stiff right neck. Became this afternoon a painful right neck. Have taken Co Codamol, as that is what I am on for painful knee. Have put heated pad on it as well as rubbing in a gel. A little better.

Tomorrow I will be taking a 7 mg followed by three days of 6.5 mg.

Question is should I continue wth the taper? I presume if a PMR flare it should be in both sides of my neck.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi, normally you would expect bilateral pain -but it’s not always as simple as that ….

Have you done anything that could account for one sided pain? Slept awkwardly, been in a draft, lifted anything to put strain on that side?

It might be wise to stick at 7mg for a few days to see if it improves - that may give you the answer as to whether it is PMR related or something else entirely.

[Maudie19 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks, it is really difficult to know. Woke up with it so suspected I might have slept awkwardly. Sitting watching TV tonight it hasn't been hurting, but if I move it hurts. Will see how it is in the morning but due for my 7 anyway. Will stay at 7 if not better the day after.

[piglette]

I always think if you start to have pain, DON’T reduce.

[Maudie19 in reply to piglette]

Yes, agree. Will see how I am in two days. Having a massage tomorrow so that may help.

[piglette in reply to Maudie19]

As long as the person giving the massage is reasonably gentle. Don’t get a sports massage!

[Meggsy]

My PMR related neck pain has only ever been on one side. Just a thought - as it is only your the second day of your taper could it just be a withdrawal symptom?

[LemonZest11]

Hi Maudie, I sometimes get neck pain and I have found that gentle neck stretches really help. Left and right glances, looking towards your underarm left then right, and ear to shoulder each side. Hold each stretch gently for around 10 seconds. I do this each morning, it has really helped. 🤞

[Maudie19 in reply to LemonZest11]

I do neck stretches but not heard of the underarm one. Will do that one as well. Pain gone now. I will cary on with withdrawal plan. Thanks.

[Abbey17]

I posted a few days ago, the same I’d tapered to 6.5 woke with unbearable pain but just on right side. That confused me. GP increased steroids to 10 and I feel great now. Will start tapering next week but think I’ll stick on 7 for a while when I get there.

[Maudie19 in reply to Abbey17]

Pain has gone so just carrying on with withdrawal plan. It is a real 'pain" not knowing what is happening though.

[Abbey17 in reply to Maudie19]

I’m glad it’s gone, fingers crossed for you

[Maudie19 in reply to Abbey17]

Had a nice gentle massage and therapist felt my neck and shoulders were really tight and could be related to the two sticks my physio has asked me to use whilst awaiting overdue knee replacement.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Maudie19]

Quite possibly - did therapist suggest any exercises to try and keep shoulders/neck relaxed?

[Maudie19 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes she did.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Maudie19]

Good…hope they help..

[Maudie19 in reply to DorsetLady]

So do I. What would help though is having knee op and getting rid of the sticks! Mind you will be on crutches for 6 weeks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Maudie19]

No you won’t - couple of weeks at most - think I did just about that…then went to 2 sticks for another week or so and then to one stick … whatever you feel safe with.

Have to say I had been off Pred for a couple of years and had been going to Pilates for 3 or 4 years….so just take at your own pace….when it happens…

[Maudie19 in reply to DorsetLady]

thanks. When I had my first knee done it was 6 weeks. That was seven years ago.

[PMRCanada in reply to Maudie19]

Indeed it is frustrating trying to figure it all out. Glad it’s resolved and you can continue your taper.

[Maudie19 in reply to PMRCanada]

Thank you. Always feel a bit anxious when going down to the next lower dose.

[PMRCanada in reply to Maudie19]

Yep, me too!