Flare ir something else

[Oboes22]

I had a minor flare 3 weeks ago and took 7mg for 8 days and felt completely well so reduced down to my 5mg which I’ve been on for about 3 months because of unsuccessfully trying to reduce to 4.5.mg. I’ve continued to feel well on 5mg however yesterday I woke up with some pain in both triceps. It became worse during the morning so I too 400mg ibuprofen, then early afternoon 1000mg paracetamol, then late afternoon 400mg ibuprofen again. The pain continued. I went to band for a two hour rehearsal ( I currently play flute, so think of my arm positions) and managed ok. I’ve woken this morning and still have the same pain which is still only in my arms. Is this an upper body flare or something else. Your advice would be appreciated. Thank you everyone.

[SheffieldJane]

I think 5 mgs must be your optimum dose at present. Your disease is still active and trying to go lower will provoke a flare. You may have to go up again to get it under control. The aim is to get to the lowest possible dose that relieves your symptoms. I would rest at 5 mgs for a little longer. Going slowly and carefully at this stage is good for Adrenal recovery as well. How lovely to play the flute!

[Sharitone]

The failure of pain meds is in favour of its being PMR, and it doesn't have to be in both hips and shoulders, so I would vote with SJ.

Could it be DOMS? I also get aching arms from playing my baritone, but not necessarily at the time of playing.

I did look on the internet for arm braces, of the type that trombone players use, but the ones for flautist don't seem to be commercially available.

[Oboes22 in reply to Sharitone]

Thank you Sharitone, playing the flute is not a problem it was the sudden onset of pain without any apparent reason. It’s much better today after a two hour rehearsal so I am confused. I am grateful and accept I have mostly good and very good days but then get upset when I have a bad day or two. Thank you for your care, keep playing.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What dose were you at when you had the "minor flare"? Whatever it was - I'd suggest it is marginally too low so you need to go to a slightly higher dose.

[Oboes22 in reply to PMRpro]

thank you PMRpro, I’ve been at 5mg since mid Oct 2021 and tried to go to 4.5 but it was obviously too low. So have been on 5mg since then felt the minor flare recently and increased to 7mg for 8 days dropped back to 5mg and have been fine until 2 days ago. The pain was in my triceps but not my biceps where it originally began just 3 years ago and no pain in my thigh area so I’m a bit confused. I kept to 5mg and am much better today. I presume it’s the nature of the beast to confuse!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Oboes22]

It is!