Checks after stopping Prednisolone?

[AlamedaCounty]

I was diagnosed with temporal arteritis in Nov 2021 and put on 40 mg of Prednisoline. This has reduced, though dose had to be raised when I had severe headaches. Now down to 1 mg next week and then supposed to stop.

1. I think I will still have symptoms. Should I be getting regular checks on my blood viscosity?

2. I seem to get very stressed and angry sometimes? is this normal? Any suggestions to stop this?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Less than 2 years is quick to be off Pred for GCA, especially as you have mentioned you have had to increase a few times.

Why do you think you will still have symptoms? Does that mean you have some now? If so, then no you don’t stop Pred….. and a return of symptoms is the most important thing when knowing whether you can reduce or not…despite what some doctors think.

Stress and anger are all part and parcel of your illness, and also at such low doses can be a sign that your adrenals are struggling to re-awaken. Maybe have a look at this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..and finally, you might be wise to taper off slowly rather than just stop. Will help your illness [which may still be active in the timescale] and certainly will help your adrenals if they are stuttering - have a look at either of these-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

I didn’t have any specific blood tests after my GCA went into remission, other than normal annual MOT ones!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Nothing to add to DL's reply! I'd have said the same.