Back surgery soon. Should I stay at 9mg of prednisone?

[singingloud]

Good morning,

I meet with my neurosurgeon on Friday morning. My MRI of my spine showed the spinal process that the spacer was attached to on Aug 11, 21 broke and let the spacer called Coflex drop out of place.

So now my disc at L4-L5 has extruded to where I need it removed and a cage inserted. I also will have a fusion starting from L3-S1. No wonder I’ve been in such pain for over a year. The doctor was apologetic and said it will not happen again that if my pain increases I will be taken seriously. He called me a tough bird!

So what is your recommendation. Do I hold at 9mg for the next three months during the biggest part of my recovery?

We will be moving my mom to a memory care facility on February 2 also. She has been with us for 22 1/2 years. Big changes.

Thanks for any advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well I would!!! In fact, I'd probably go to 10mg! At least! Think about it - sick day rules could well apply here and it is something I would want to discuss with at the very least the anaesthetist and probably everyone else - surgeon, rheumy, post-op care unit staff ...

[singingloud in reply to PMRpro]

I told the surgeon who said to bring it up with the intake person and the anesthesiologist.

[SheffieldJane]

yes I would! Challenging times ahead and you know how PMR loves to join in.

Wishing you well in all your life changes, I hope everything will be in a better place in the coming months. I had to make the same decision ( probably left it a bit late). My mum was delighted to find herself in a top hotel and I built good relationships with the lovely members of staff.

The pain you have endured is incredible, you deserve all good things from now on. 💐

[singingloud]

Thank you for the compassion.

[powerwalk]

Good luck with your surgery. Hope it goes well, do let us know how it goes. Best wishes for your mother, she'll be well looked after while you recuperate.

[Miacaro45]

Only good things from now on. The best to you and your mom.

[ifeelold]

I would probably stay at 9 and go up if any symptoms return... i have quit fighting the need for prednisone and accept it as part of my life now.. side effects are awful but its better than the pain of PMR.

I've been on steroids for 1.5 years. I am currently at 7mg of mythleprendisone.

[singingloud]

I’ve had pmr for almost 3 1/2 years and tried to get to 9mg several times. Was hoping not to go back up but hold steady. Thanks to all for your support!