Flare/adrenals or something else

[Dancer65]

I was diagnosed in January 2021 and started at 20mg Prednisolone. It wasn’t as effective as was hoped so increased to 30mg. I’ve been steadily reducing and am now at 4mg.

I am currently feeling joint pain in all my joints and fatigue.

Question is do I increase my prednisolone for a couple of weeks or if adrenals do I just have to persevere with the pain.

[SnazzyD]

If it’s a general pain in all your joints I wonder if it is low adrenal function. My ‘adrenal pain’ was all over but I didn’t lose function of the muscles and joints if you see what I mean. I felt like wanting to be nestled in cotton wool but didn’t say ouch if I used a joint. I also found that my muscles were very prone to injury so no bursts of unusual activity like window cleaning or garden watering.

I didn’t increase but just stayed down and did less so as not to exceed what my body could cope with, like being back at first diagnosis. Eventually, the adrenal glands started to give me good half days and then full days as long is I kept up my side of the bargain and didn’t do too much in my day. That bit is trial and error.

[Dancer65 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you for your reply, think I suspected that it would be adrenals.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd be inclined to blame the adrenal side of things. But it is very difficult to tell. If it is the PMR then you would expect it to worsen over time.

[Dancer65 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your response.

[piglette]

I am sure the fatigue is the adrenals. Don’t reduce until it improves which could be some time.

[Dancer65 in reply to piglette]

Thank you for your reply, I will have to take it slowly I think.

[piglette in reply to Dancer65]

😁😁😁

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Maybe have a look at this link re adrenals - it could be a mix of that and too low dose for your PMR -2years is not long despite what some doctors think -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Dancer65 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the link, it was very informative.

[Cantfindanam]

I have been on a similar journey I too have tapered to 4/3 mg

A day from 60mg

I have had really high blood pressure and am pre diabetic due to the steroids.

I have experienced very many withdrawal incidents resulting in several visits to Emergency hospital.

I cannot tell you what to do all I can say is ,no matter how much pain I'm in I am determined to get off these steroids. Rest as much as possible and do gentle exercise sitting down if necessary.

Good luck keep safe

[Dancer65 in reply to Cantfindanam]

Thank you for the information.