pmr tapering

[RaisinBran]

I have been on Prednisone since Nov 2021. I have tapered to zero, but had to jump back to 3mg because of extreme pain. I have been on 3mg for at least i month and still very lethargic. I s this at all normal on such a low dose?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Lethargy could be adrenals stuttering - but to have reduced as quickly as you did, your pain is obviously telling you, your PMR is a lot more active than you thought. So a very slow taper is required -

See here for examples -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Bit more info on adrenals - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Very very unusual to be over PMR (or GCA) in 18 months, But even after 18 months, it will take longer than you took below 5mg for the adrenal function to wake up and that time tends to get longer as you get older.

[RaisinBran in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you!

[Rajuguide]

dear Raisin Bran

My wife started , prednisone dose 2.1/2 back , as rheumatologist, suspected it is GCA , she started with 60 mg after 2months came on 10mgs, now from last more than 2 years she is on 10 mg , she consulted all field specialists and , try all patterns for tapering, but she was not successful, now she stand on 10 mg , in spite of having side effect , like leg weakness, moon face , diabetes problems.

you are lucky struggling on low dose , But , it will better if you follow dr advice , My best wishes with you .

Rajuguide

[RaisinBran]

thank you for your comments Rajuguide. It was helpful.

[PMRfacebook]

Slow taper is the only way - 5 to 0 is hardest bit and can't be rushed pmr will go when it goes and doesn't work to a timetable , despite what some medical.people might think - good luck