how do I know if I’m having a flare while reducing or is it just my adrenals trying to wake up 😧

[JEMOK]

I am in my 2nd week of reducing from 5mg to 4 1/2mg but am experiencing fatigue & pain in my biceps & thighs. Does anyone know if it could be a flare or just my adrenals trying to start up. Any advice greatly appreciated 🙏

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Recent post which contains similar question- see my reply and links….

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[JEMOK in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much for your reply & links which were so helpful if a little confusing for me as I appear to be struggling with brain fog at the moment. I increased my pred from 5mg up to 10mg for a week & then dropped down to 8mg for a week & then back down to 6mg but am now suffering from awful fatigue. I am wondering if I have done something wrong or is this to be expected. Thank you DL for your invaluable advice x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to JEMOK]

No don’t think you are doing anything wrong -as you say- and I agree you - probably have two things going on, a flare- which hopefully you have now dealt with [hoping your pains have resolved] - and adrenals struggling - which would account for fatigue.

The only way to help them awaken is very slow taper, small steps, time and patience. Same approach will hopefully also prevent another flare . So just hang in there, and good luck..

[Abcd123455]

hopefully someone will answer with more experience than me. I’m down recently from 5mg to 4mg and also having similar symptoms as you. I’m guessing it’s just everything getting used to new dose?

[Abcd123455 in reply to Abcd123455]

missed Dorsey Lady’s post, thanks

[SMH4CRNA]

When my adrenals started waking up the fatigue was severe, dizziness and even fevers. Guess you will only know if PMR is back when you get pass the the wake up.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you are developing worsening pain in biceps and thighs, it is most likely to be a flare of PMR, Adrenals waking shouldn't be causing PMR-type pains that worsen,