Is this an adrenal problem

[Purplegloss]

I am now 5 years into my PMR journey, and currently at 4mg-I had a flare a few weeks ago, and had to go up to 10mg for 5 days, and then dropped back to 4mg, which is one above where I was as I had been at 3mg. I have had two blood tests in the last few weeks with the 1st one being ok for ESR, but 37 for CRP. The 2nd one ESR was 2 and CRP had dropped to 19, so it said satisfactory on my result. However this is still a bit high for me, as 10/12 is about right. Apart from the usual stiffness we all get in the mornings I am ok at the moment on 4mg, however I have developed what I call a bit of a funny head, in that from time to time it shakes a bit/ kind of muzzy feeling. I am wondering if this is anything to do with adrenal problems, or maybe it could be a return of a problem I had back in March when my occipital verve became trapped up the left side of my head, and it shook my brain quite a bit. At the time this was a very sharp pain, which felt a bit like an electric shock, and I was given a full head and shoulder MRI scan, which showed deterioration at the top of my spine. Choices were to do nothing or see a spinal surgeon-went for the do nothing option. There is no sensation like before of the trapped nerve, but just a wobbly head, which doesn't feel good at times. I have had it for 3/4 days now, so perhaps t will settle.

[piglette]

It does not sound like adrenal problems. Perhaps you should talk to your GP again, as it does sound like a possible nerve problem.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with piglette - see the doctor. But I'd also say that 4mg is not quite enough - at least, not yet after the flare. Was the flare due to reducing too far or did it just appear? How often do you reduce the dose and by how much?

[Purplegloss in reply to PMRpro]

I have been slowly reducing by .5mg using DSNS system to find the lowest level that controls my symptoms, and I guess 3mg was just too low, hence now on 4mg. I am well aware that I am in the range for adrenals to have started to kick in. Maybe I should go up to 4.5mg I have got some 2.5mg tablets.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplegloss]

Whatever you need to feel better.

[Purplegloss]

Thank you for your replies, I have gone to 4.5mg today to see if that helps with my CRP levels. I think if I went back to my GP it would be a case of seeing a spinal surgeon, but that seems a bit drastic, as I don't want to be offered an operation. The head problem lasted five weeks last time, and then suddenly stopped, and had been ok for about 6 months.