PMR pain and siatica post covid

[Headwood]

I had a minor dose of covid in September last year. Following it I developed agonising siatica. I thought I’d broken my hip at least. This was all mixed in with a PMR flare. I’ve tapered back from a higher dose of 5 mg to 2mg of prednisolone only to have to give in again and try 6mg which is only just managing it.Have others experienced flares following covid?

[HeronNS]

Can't help there, but you may want to correct spelling of sciatica in the post title so it is more llikely to be picked up in searches. and possibly give you more relevant related posts?

[piglette]

Do you think you are reducing too fast?

[Headwood in reply to piglette]

Thank you for that thought. I did wonder that but I had previously been happily tapered to 1.5mg dropping on the slow taper advised on this site, slowly.

I’m Trying to avoid the 7mg mark and upsetting my adrenals.

I’ve been with PMR for 3 years now. All rather tiresome!!! As you doubtless know.

[piglette in reply to Headwood]

of course a reduction of 1.5mg say from 20mg which is 7.5% is very different if you are reducing from 10mg which is 15%

[Headwood in reply to piglette]

Of course, I need to really remember this.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Headwood]

Just keep in mind the mantra -that a reduction should not more than 10% of current dose.

And although we quote 7mg as being the dose your adrenals are affected -that’s only an average -for some it’s higher, for others lower.

Link re adrenals -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Headwood in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you. All helpful food for thought.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Headwood]

The 7mg mark isn't fixed in stone - but if you need to go back up to clear out a flare because of having been at too low a dose and "add 5" then there is nothing to worry about if you are at 7mg or even higher for only a week to 10 days, that isn't long enough to upset adrenal function,

[Headwood in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you.

Just to clarify, the add 5 is to the dose you were taking when the flare occurred? In which case I was taking 2mg so should go to 7? I have to say the 6 doesn’t seem to be doing the trick completely. But then the sciatic pain does confuse the issue!

Looks like I might do well to go higher for a while? I’m seeing the physio to iron out the sciatic pain 🤞.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Headwood]

this link gives advice on dealing with a flare

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..but you need to give increased dose long enough to work.

[Headwood in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you. I think this is just what I need, I’ve been trying to battle through what is obviously a flare for too long.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Headwood]

You aren't alone - it is a common complaint.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Headwood]

Yes you probably have, and sometimes it works itself out, but usually it doesn't... good luck.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Headwood]

Exactly - but if you were to need to go to 8mg or more it wouldn't be the end of the world.

It is all very well wanting to be at a lower dose BUT in PMR being at a lower dose than you need for optimum symptom control and QOL will eventually lead to a build up of the inflammation in the same way a dripping tap will eventually fill a bucket and overflow, putting you back where you were. You want to avoid that at all costs.

[Headwood in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you again for your support. I’ll up my dose a little more.

[squashie]

Had been happily on zero pred for some months (after 3 years) when I got Covid. A few weeks later I finally realised that my PMR had returned. A short burst at 5mg, and now 2mg is controlling symptoms and I'm not in a rush to drop further at the moment.

[Headwood in reply to squashie]

I’m sorry to hear this . Covid is a nuisance on its own.

This is what I’m wondering. Is covid affecting our PMR when it has been lying quietly with us or at least being controlled by pred. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Headwood]

Not only Covid -anything that puts added stress on your body is likely to rattle PMR’s cage….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Headwood]

Anything that pokes the immune systems can reawaken the PMR sutoimmune part. If only more doctors "got" it.

[Abbeynan82]

Hi! I have had persistent sciatica with my PMR, but in March -April had an attack where I could not walk or move, had low 02 and a cough. Was sent to 999 and a Month in hospital with Covid, which otherwise didn’t seem that serious. Finally home with care package and able to walk to bathroom. PMR forgotten and I am to remain on 15 mg until better. Such pain and never gives up. Covid on top of PMR. Perhaps a stenosis they say. Very inflamed anyway.