Am I having a flair?

[jinoadby]

I have been on 7mg now for two months. I had attempted to reduce to 6.5, but couldn't do it (possibly because I had my covid booster, but maybe that had nothing to do with it). I decided to stay on 7mg until after a holiday starting this Friday, and then to try again. However for the last 3-4 days I have been increasingly uncomfortable, in my lower back, hips and neck. I can't think of anything I have done to trigger this apart from my flue shot last Wednesday, although I have also been a little stressed about the holiday. This is the first time I have been away since being diagnosed, and although we have planned it to make it as easy as possible for me, I can't help but feel a little anxious.

I hadn't planned on increasing my pred for the holiday, but on a couple of occasions when I have had a really heavy day I have taken an extra 1mg at lunchtime, and this has worked so well I had decided to do this on holiday if it became necessary. But now I don't know what to do. Advice please.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Might be sensible to increase by 1mg -even a 0.5mg might suffice - whilst your on holiday. Better that then let a flare get out of control and need to go higher.

Probably a combination of flu jab and stressing over holiday.

Once home again & back on track you can probably drop back down to 7mg without issues - but you are also entering into adrenals needing to think about working again time. ..so just be aware that’s adds in another dimension.

Enjoy holiday…

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The flu jab and worrying about the holiday are plenty to cause problems if the 7mg is barely enough anyway. If it were me. I would take the extra mg for the holiday and enjoy it.

[jinoadby in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you both, I shall increase from tomorrow (I am only away for a week). It is such a good feeling knowing I can get help so quickly when I need it.