This maybe a silly question

[Alan7690]

This maybe a silly question but can PMR just disappear suddenly. I've been stuck on 8mg for 2 years and cannot get down below that. Usually I have a bit of pain/stiffness in the mornings but last few days zero, nothing at all and during the day again no pain nothing. I'm going to try tapering again and see what happens

[SnazzyD]

It might do, but you’ll never know until you are not taking any Pred any more. I’d rejoice but proceed with caution as the activity may have just reduced to a lower level. Also, under 8mg the adrenal glands need to start working and this isn’t always seamless. 0.5mg drops are usually safer than 1mg. If you haven’t yet read the adrenal section in the FAQ’s on the right, now is a good time. Good luck!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It may just disappear suddenly but what is far more likely is that the 8mg was barely containing the inflammation but now the underlying autoimmune disorder that actually causes the symptoms we call PMR has quietened down a bit, is creating less inflammation and so needs less pred to mop it up. That is why over the long term most people are able to reduce the dose over time. Almost everyone gets stuck at a dose at some point and then at some point can taper a bit further. If the autoimmune bit has burned out then you will be able to taper steadily without any difficulty from the PMR - although there is always the return of adrenal function to consider.

[PMRnewbie2017]

The others have replied, but I'd like to add that you should proceed with extreme caution and not become over confident as you reduce. Your body has become very accustomed to 8mg for many months and I can say from experience that it will complain once you start to withdraw its supply of Pred. I would definitely use DL's taper and reduce by 0.5mg at each round which takes 5-6 weeks. Once you get to 4mg I would cut the reductions to 0.25mg. Like many longtimers, I have learned that you cannot rush this stage, which for me, is the hardest part of the PMR journey. Remember that the PMR activity will rise and fall unless it truly has burned out but also, as your adrenal function improves, that can also be good one day and rubbish the next sometimes for absolutely no obvious reason. Being male is in your favour as men do seem to have an "easier" time of it!?!?

[Puddlewatcher in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

PMRnewbie2017,

SPEAK FOR YOURSELF GIRLFRIEND! I wish I could say I appear/seem to have an easier time dealing with PMR as a male. Time WILL tell for sure. Stay safe…