Hi all, and happy Xmas

[Cromboy]

Hi all, I've been on pred since July 2022. I Started on 15mg, and tapered to 12.5mg after 4 weeks, then tried tapering from 12.5mg to 10mg four weeks later. I flared at 10mg , so upped my dose to 11mg, which was successful. I have been working full time as a builder, going for long walks and doing weights throughout my time tapering, and felt great - even putting the 4 kg of weight back on, that I lost prior to beginning pred. Out of nowhere I've had a big flare, and strangely, the significant pain is mostly in my neck and sternum ( areas not previously affected) , and not in my hips and shoulders.

I've read lots of info on flares on the forum, and have opted to increase my dose to 15mg for 5-10 days and then (if it controls the symptoms) go back to 11mg.

I'd really welcome some advice from forum members, on their similar experiences , and successful method of dealing with a big flare..

Thanks in advance, and happy Xmas to you and yours x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome!

How strange - but every flare of PMR can be different! Let's see if the increase does what it is supposed to - and allows you a decent Christmas and New Year.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, what sort of pain is it?

[Cromboy in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi snazzy, real sharp pain in the sternum, takes the breath away. I've read that it's a 'normal' pmr site for pain, and it does ease with the pred. I'm too early in the journey, to know exactly how to manage flares, so I'm relying on the great advice given on the forum..... but there are many different recommendations for dosage with a flare.Thanks for replying

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cromboy]

"I've read that it's a 'normal' pmr site for pain,"

Well its a new one on me! Where did you see it - I'm intrigued!!!

[Cromboy in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro, not sure where I read it, but I had it months ago when I over did it on the weights. I've never experienced it before, and I've always been very physically active, so it Def linked to pmr. It's called costochondritis - pain where the ribs join the breastbone. Thanks for replying,; most of my Knowledge of pmr comes from your posts

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cromboy]

Ah - costochondritis doesn't mean sternum pain for me. I tend to think of it being lower down.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Cromboy]

Usual advice for dealing with a flare is contained in this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SheffieldJane]

I wonder if the building work and weight lifting has put the strain on the sternum and neck muscles? We can get significant muscle weakness and this can shift the pain. I pay for much less than you do eg my bag holding arm.

[Cromboy in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi Sheffield Jane. I seem to flourish mentally and physically when working hard or being active. After hours of reading all the awesome advice on the forum, I'm guessing that it might be 'stress' that affects my pmr activity levels. I'm due to fly back to Oz early Jan after being stuck in the UK since Covid 2020 Thanks for your input ... and merry Xmas

[SheffieldJane]

I get it!

My two daughters, husbands and 4 grandchildren live in New South Wales. Bathed in sunshine, minutes from the sea, sending me pictures of Christmas on the beach. I think you will feel loads better in the Ozzy climate, I did. Safe travels. X

[Cromboy in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks..... I'll be back with my daughter who's now 11....... not seen her since 2020.....even pmr pain couldn't hurt as much as being away from my kid has . Thanks for your input... awesome

[SheffieldJane in reply to Cromboy]

I am happy for you Cromboy. I know the pain of separation, counting the minutes. X

[Cromboy in reply to SheffieldJane]

What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger x

[singingloud]

Sounds like prednisone has weakened those muscles, ligaments and tendons. You must be careful or you can tear something. Might want to back off on the weight lifting.

I completely ruptured the tendon at the top of my bicep this summer by trying to unhook a booster seat in the car. No fun! Be kind to yourself and adjust your life accordingly.

Have a safe trip home and happy holidays.

[Cromboy in reply to singingloud]

Thank you so much for replying. It's so nice having others who are on the pmr journey, chipping in to help each other.I totally understand how you tore the muscle.... I do listen to my body, and it enjoys working hard.... but does tell me if it needs a break.... then I go for long walks.

Merry Xmas to you and yours, and thanks x