Returning to lower dose again

[KinnearD]

Four years on reached 2mg prednisone 3 months ago using a slow taper. After six weeks I started a .25 mg taper reaching 1.25mg feeling okay though some aches that may have been withdrawal or overexertion etc. Also the .25mg drops may have been too quick ...getting overly hopeful PMR was gone. Ten days ago anticipating lots of life happening with additional stresses I decided to up to 5mg prednisone to maybe cope better and ward off any potential flare. Definitely had less aches after several days at 5mg though it took three days to notice any difference. I'm assuming 1.25mg overshot my needed dose. I'm thinking to stay at 2mg prednisone for a while before tapering again. 6Now the extra stress leaves home today but I do have my third Aclasta infusion In two days that may be a stressor. My question is whether I need to stage/taper the move from 5mg prednisone to 2mg prednisone or go straight there. Advice appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Technically after 10 days you can drop straight back. Some prefer to drop in 2 stages a few days apart. Or a mg a day over a few days. Up to you.

Did you enjoy the extra stress? Is it leaving home a stress too?

[KinnearD in reply to PMRpro]

In truth, I didn't enjoy the extra stress of two Thai 14 year old international students and today with their departure, the unexpected arrival of husband's sister and partner just popping in. Haven't seen them in decades. I'm not doing the unexpected well on low doses. 🙂🙃. Thanks for the advice. I don't want to have to add extra prednisone just to do life. Need to find my pace.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to KinnearD]

My daughter was a home coordinator for international students for the school she used to work at MTC, Methven) so I know second hand how stressful the whole process can be..😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to KinnearD]

Ah. No wouldn't have been my cup of tea either! And to be honest - if someone appears that unexpectedly they have to take me as they find me! I do like seeing people at short notice but no notice means if I'm in scruffs with a cup of tea in front of the TV - please feel free to join me. I will switch the TV off though! And sometimes I struggle even with weeks of warning - luckily we have 3 good restaurants in the village, one is a pizzeria and and at least one of the others will do food to bring home which is as well since I have forgotten how to cook for more than me! Just getting to the low enough dose of pred to wonder how that will go ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Might be wise to drop down in 2 steps…..and maybe stop at 2.5mg for a few weeks, before you restart your taper proper!

Good luck….

[KinnearD in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Just needed reassurance. Always feels fraught judging subjectively.