Well it happened! My first Rheumatologist appointment since my last 5 minute rush job in 2019.....
As I expected everything I have an issue with was explained to me then it was suggested I try Methotrexate
So I said "OK" and there you go. I have to get back down to 5mg of pred from 9mg
I've read so many good stories and some horrendous but I'm willing to give it a go.
I have read all about it here and there but you lovely people are my favourites so I thought I'd type here first
David
Hope it works well for you! Our male friend who is in his late 60s went on it and it has really worked well for him. Hardly any side effects, he has reduced his steroids and he is a lot more mobile. Good luck 👍
Thank you for the hope 
One day at a time David 🙏!
Keep up the positivity, David. 🤞
It’s working well for me David - I’ve had virtually no side effects and feel much better since taking it. I was dreading taking it 14 weeks ago, but within 48 hours all the pain and inflammation was much reduced. I’m so glad that I did! 🍀☘️
I’ve had the same experience. No problems at all and now tapered to 3.5 mg pred.
Hello Suet1942
3-5 mg = terrific! What dose were you on of Prednisone when you started the MTX? I started at end of October at 10 mg and up to 15 mg now, and doing it slowly cos it’s winter and am more comfortable doing it that way, and at 14 mgm. It’s my 14 week of taking MTX.
Hello. I was on 10mg. I’ve yo yoed for years(had pmr for 11 years) I stopped the mx for 3 months a few years ago just to see if it was making a difference and had a massive flare. Think I’ve been confusing withdrawal symptoms with a flare so now I try to ignore the pain when I’m reducing and it passes after a few days. Good luck with the mx.
Thank you - it is confusing, withdrawal symptoms or a flare, but I find that Dorset Lady has written apt guidelines in FAQ has helped me with that. How long did it take from taking 10 mg to 3.5 mg?
Your post is an inspiration. 🌺 and uplifting.
That's good! I'm going to go for it and accept it in a chipper manner 😀
That's good.
I do worry about losing hair and getting a moonface 😱 quite concerned. Help!!!
I think the moonface is more likely with pred than MTX. As for your hair, I take it folic acid was prescribed as well? You can take that up to 6x weekly - every day you don't take MTX - so it you have been prescribed less, and your hair starts falling out, get the dose increased, and it should stop. More than half of mine fell out, but it has slowly grown back, so don't panic!
Folic Acid preventing hair shedding with me! 👍
I shall be well dose on it then! 🤪
Good Luck David with whatever you decide! ☘️🍀
Hi I was stuck at 15mg then 10mg pred until I started methotrexate got down to 7mg with methotrexate pills but had a few gastric issues and my hair started falling out so prescribed folic acid 6 days a week and it slowed down the hair loss but not gastric issues! Now changed to metoject and no gastric issues now hair loss seems to be just normal few strands again and I'm down to 5.5mg pred ! so here's hoping it works for you 🤞
I was prescribed Methotrexate in October 2022 and it has enabled me to reduced my steroid dose to zero by December 2022. Yes I found the side effects difficult helped for me by fasting 1 day/ week. My hair is growing back. Good luck.
A really uplifting response - thank you! I’m so looking forward to being where you are! Hope it works for me too! ❤️🌺
Thank you for the answers I'm still very terrified...
I'm tapering right now. It's been one day and I'm in pain. Last night I was aching like crazy and had to go the Co-codamol route. 9mg - 8mg pred drop
Sometimes I think it can't be that bad if I found "my dose" of Pred and stuck to that.... ?
David
If it’s day one, it might be steroid withdrawal - if it is then it should go…but trying a slower tapering plan and 0.5mg rather than 1mg a time in future may help.
If co-codamol worked, the chances are it isn't PMR directly - more evidence to add to DL's comment
Hi Co-codamol didn't work. I've just returned from a hobble around the neighbourhood. I did use some CBD oil drops and think/hope this may have helped.
I'm determined to get down to 5mg again
David
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