Not sure of what is going on

[Miacaro45]

I am down to 14mg with a very slow taper. I notice when I try to go down to 13 mg. pains in my shoulders, arms and hips really hurt. I also get nauseous. So, I decided to keep it at 14 mg. Just wondering if I should increase the amount more. Thank you for being here for all of us. I am truly grateful.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you are OK on 14mg, stay there for a bit, You want to be on the lowest dose that manages your symptoms at any given time. You will get lower - just not yet.

[SnazzyD]

How quickly do those symptoms kick in after the reduction? You could try dropping by 0.5mg steps perhaps. I found that smoothed out the withdrawal a bit.

[Miacaro45 in reply to SnazzyD]

Good idea. Thank you.

[singingloud]

when I decreased my dose to 13mg I would have a three day adjustment immediately at that dose. It would then go away and I could slowly go down to the next dose. But if I was going to have a flare the pains would continue to grow stronger and I would have to return to my dose where I had no pain to mop up the inflammation. It worked for me but you know your body.

Going down by .5 is not a bad idea. Are you using one of the dead slow methods?

[Miacaro45 in reply to singingloud]

Yes, I am using one of the dead slow methods. At one point, I went down to 13 mg The next day back up to 14 mg. I have been on 14 mg for a couple of days and I find that I start the day off feeling ok and go down hill by the afternoon. So, should I increase by .5 mg to see if I feel better most of the day? Thanks for your input.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miacaro45]

In what way do you go downhill? Bear in mind that pacing and lifestyle changes are required too - it isn't just about popping a pill!

[Miacaro45 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I have realized that I definitely have to pace myself and listen to my body. Appreciate your reminding me. Thanks

[singingloud]

I’m sorry I didn’t realize you have GCA. You may have to stay at 14mg for sometime.