Tapering

[Viv54]

Hi, I have now with 3 tries got down to 7.5 of Pred ! im stable now without any of the horrid side affects. I am trying to reduce very slowly and so far so good. Have taken the great advice on here. My problem is that when i get to 7.5 i just cant seem to get to 7, im awaiting a hip operation and am in constant chronic pain now everyday ! I know the hospital would like this dose to be lower, i was wondering how low people have had their hip done at what dose? I am on the waiting list so no great hurry sadly. Any input would be helpful, TIA Viv.🌷

[SnazzyD]

What happens between 7.5 and 7mg? How do you feel generally?

[Viv54 in reply to SnazzyD]

Each time I try I feel fine for the first few days and then Wam !my muscles ache all over my body .I feel sick , trembling and flu like. I have tried to sit it out for a few days , but now I'm in such chronic pain with me hip I'm just not able to take sadly.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Viv54]

Sounds more like adrenals to me...and probably another reason to sit tight on current dose [not easy with painful hip] until you are on the road to recovery following op.

[SnazzyD in reply to Viv54]

Sounds like the body not responding quickly to the lack of Pred by making its own cortisol. That bit takes time and whilst you need to reduce for this to improve, it’s going to take longer to get to the random satisfactory level you are meant to achieve and be in a state of cope with the op. The chronic pain isn’t going to help you tolerate low cortisol either.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Plenty have had hips done at above 7.5mg. There is no point them forcing you to go lower if that means you struggle because then you will lose more condition before the op and won't be able to do the rehab afterwards which is essential for a good result. I know a few who had hips done and were able to reduce their pred afterwards - it was as if the pain was feeding the PMR.

[Viv54 in reply to PMRpro]

That's brilliant, makes me calmer about it and yes it makes perfect sense.Thank you 🌹

[Thelmarina in reply to PMRpro]

You are so reassuring! 👍

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

The hospital might like you to be lower [they always do] - but as they haven't said you MUST be - then I'd be inclined to stay put..

[Miserypants]

I was on 10mg of pred when I had my.hip done with no problems.

[Viv54]

Thanks all , makes me feel better xx