Should I start again

[Bncc]

Hi, After several months on zero dose I've started to have occasional twinges/stiffness in my arms/shoulders. These are nothing like as bad as when I first completely stiffened up nearly three years ago, when 20mg cleared it up. Is it best to start on 1mg a day or go to 5mg or half a 5mg and then reduce, as I have a supply of these preds left over? Contacting doctors here is nigh on impossible. Any suggestions?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Probably sensible to try 2.5mg for a week or two as a trial.

But you do need to contact GP -because you will need to replenish Pred if it is a return of PMR.

If you try and reduce too quickly this time , the same is likely to happen again.

[SnazzyD]

As well as the PMR issue, have you started any new activity or been doing anything for longer periods, even sitting still ones?

[Purpleazalia]

How occasional? Does it link to something new or that you have increased, or do in a different way? It is often mentioned on here that it can take up to a year for everything to return to 'normal' after coming off pred.

It's probably better to make an appointment with your Dr to rule out other potential causes before restarting pred.

[Pixix]

If the impossible contact is by phone, why not go, in person, to your surgery? They can’t ignore you face to face…just a small suggestion?