Continue on alternate days - 0 and 0.5 mg

[TheMoaningViolet]

I have spent a week alternating between 0.5 mg and 0 mg and this morning I decided to continue for another week.

I am feeling a lot of muscular pain (nothing like the PMR pain), my right hand is so painful I can hardly hold a toothbrush and I had to cancel my Pilates lesson today. My left foot (with a dropped arch where I tore my ligaments eight years ago) is also feeling worse for wear and while my shoulder is holding up, the muscles in my arms lower down are hurting. I am also waking up tired and occasionally with a slight headache.

I know that this is all the consequence of my adrenals needing to work harder and some exercises I did a couple of days ago, as well as the pain that was always there, hidden by the smallest dose of Prednisolone, but I decided to postpone the next step (1 day on 0.5 mg and 2 days on 0) until sometime next week.

My philosophy has always been to take the next step once I feel fine on the current one, so why change now.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

My philosophy has always been to take the next step once I feel fine on the current one, so why change now.

Totally agree! It will happen, but maybe not just yet…. 😊

[CarolF1312]

So sorry to hear you're struggling. I think its wise to postpone further reduction until you feel much better.I'm still way behind you. I've been on 2mg for nearly 3 weeks and currently feeling rather stiff in back and shoulders although like you not the same level as original PMR pain and stiffness.I've decided to postpone further taper until after forthcoming holiday to Turkey with my daughter and Grandsons. That's definitely going to be a busy week and I want to be on good form!

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to CarolF1312]

Thank you. Yes, it sounds sensible to wait. Enjoy your holiday and good luck with reducing. x

[piglette]

Muscular pain does not really sound like adrenals. They tend to cause fatigue and can make you feel generally depressed! Muscular pain sounds more PMR.

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to piglette]

As I mentioned, I was exercising. The pain has significantly subsided without an increase in dose. I forget that I need to rest my muscles longer than an average person.