Pred update

[Temoral]

Hi Everyone. After feeling all the usual symptoms in my last post...dizzy, woozy, fatigued etc, and the rheumy expectation that I should alternate 5 and 4 for a month until he phones again, despite all this....I have redone the 5 to 5.5 week as we are on holiday in Scotland. The good news is that, so far, and I did say so far! all symptoms under control and have managed a short walk each day with Loch views. Rheumy won't get his way. So to all on DSNS method, even with extended weeks, and to all on here who understand their own body better that their Rheumy....stick to your individual needs...and take care of yourselves. We can get there. X

[Jackoh]

I know for myself I would never be able to alternate dose in that way. I have real problems using DSNS method and often have to repeat so that body can cope. Here’s hoping that you continue well using your own common sense! Xx💐

[Temoral in reply to Jackoh]

Thanks Jackoh. Good luck to you too. Are you taking 'sparing' meds...I'm not as yet.

[Jackoh in reply to Temoral]

Hi - no not taking any sparing meds. X💐

[AshPen9]

I'm doing 5mg to 4mg but over 6 months on an extended version of DL's simple taper. It's what my rheumy suggested, and I wish that it was 5mg to 4.5mg, but I'm giving it a go because I was so grateful that he was giving me 6 months to do it! If it doesn't work though it will be 0.5mg drops only for me in future! Hope that all goes well for you.

[Temoral in reply to AshPen9]

Thanks AshleyAre you taking any 'sparing' meds too?

[AshPen9 in reply to Temoral]

I take Hydroxychloroquine Temoral, although not sure that it's doing anything. Rheumy says carry on with it because it 'calms' the system.

[BarbB]

It took me 2 years to taper off from 5 mg/day to zero. After I hit 5 mg I started by decreasing my dose by .5 mg every 3rd day. I had some withdrawal symptoms with every decreasey. I waited until withdrawal symptoms had resolved before proceeding to the the .5 mg reduced dose every other day. Next I went to 2 days of reduced dose, 1 day of stronger dose. Finally, full time on reduced dose. It took me about 8 weeks to fully transition down each half mg. Withdrawal symptoms usually hit after 5-6 days into the new reduction, were unpleasant but tolerable. I am now DETERMINED not to go back on pred unless I am totally disabled!