I have gone from 4 mg of prednisone to 3.5 and am experiencing mild anxiety and depression. I was on 4 for a month. Am also getting monthly Actemra infusions and have been since last fall. I don’t know why my body/mind are reacting as they are. I also don’t know why my legs and arms still feel tight and tired, which how they became when I came down with PMR more than 2 years ago. Any thoughts?
Anxiety again?: I have gone from 4 mg of prednisone... - PMRGCAuk
Anxiety again?
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You may find that 4 mgs is your dose for now. I get the sinking feelings when I taper, but I know that they are not me. A repeat of early physical symptoms is a red flag for me.
It's odd to me because I have the still have the same physical symptoms from the onset of PMR. They are somewhat milder than I've had from the start or maybe I have just grown accustomed to them. Heavy legs and arms. Unable to walk well except on flat land. Limited distance.
that’s just how I feel some days I feel absolutely exhausted doing not much at all ie just a small trip to the local shops. Makes you feel so old😢 hope your ok
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Might be slightly too low a dose of Pred - but anxiety could be adrenals struggling - typical sign -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thanks. I read the info. Sounds like the basal cortisol test may be needed to figure it out.
That only tells you that the adrenals are capable of working -not how well they actually are -but it’s worth getting them checked,
At 4mg the basal cortisol may not be accurate - that is plenty to suppress the natural production of cortisol, It sounds to me as if you are on the cusp of enough to manage the PMR and occasionally it isn't enough. I often find that walking up a slope is a bit much, on the flat is fine and I think there are quite a few on the forum who will say much the same,
When my adrenal function was still below par I had the same; easily feeling overwhelmed for no good reason. It got better as their function returned.
Sounds like your adrenal glands are griping at being woken up!
Hi, I’m now down to 3mg (started 15mg about Nov 2021) and feel really wobbly all the time. Slightest thing upsets me/makes me tearful. Trying really hard to just wait and hope it gets better. Hopefully it’ll improve for you too x
I really feel for you, as your description fits me perfectly. I'm on 2.5 mg and dizziness, extreme fatigue and emotions are all over the place and are not comfortable to live with. I am starting to feel this is the worst part of the whole journey but I must remember that I am lucky that I have no pain. Trying, and at the moment, failing, to be patient.
At least you (and me) are trying!
hi Francesbarbara! Yes I found at around 3mgs I had the same. Wore vertigo bands to stop dizziness, fatigue is the worst, but as I am now down to 1mg all side effects gone. Legs improving slowly. But feeling more like my old self. Take care and as I mentors on this forum say, take it slowly.
Thank you, Gossiplady, I have never heard of vertigo bands and am very interested. I see there are various bands on Amazon but any more info from you would be very helpful. Agree that fatigue is the worst and I find I can try to be active either in morning or afternoon - not in both. Going soooo slow with tiny drops of 0.25g over 2-4 weeks.
hi Francesbarbara, sorry, brain fog, they are called Motion Sickness Patches from Mr. A of course. 14 in a box. I put behind ears. Works well. Also if dizziness is really bad I always keep Stugeron 15 from the chemists in the house, even keep a packet in the car. They are for travel sickness but my doctor told me to get some. Keep smiling!
as Francesbarbara said, please tell more about which Vertigo band you have found helpful. Thanks.
Hi, I do a weekly hourly dance class but I take my ramblers walking stick for the 10 minute walk to the car as I sometimes feel a bit dizzy. ( I am on 2 mg of pred) Also the heat and especially humidity heat means I need to rest more. Strangely enough I feel more balanced when doing dance steps.
I also try to eat healthily and incorporate fermented food into my diet. Although I do have chocolate and wine sometimes! I think the reduction in pred does cause some anxiety due to physical reasons and it does pass. However I find its possible to get into a loop - feelings of anxiety cause worrying thoughts. I find questioning those worrying thoughts helpful, seeking the wisdom from this lovely group and planning positive things is very helpful
This pattern is so true....making a list of all the positives in life , and reading them back to yourself may help to lift your spirits a little...I find it can be so easy to be sucked in to the negative...especially when the news comes on....
Definatley, we need a TV or radio that only reports on good news for a bit of light relief. I am seeking out some happy novels to escape into and relax.
When I was at those low doses I could only drop 1/4 mgm. Gentler on my body. Dropping more than 10% was not recommended .
I cracked today and took an extra 1/2 mg of prednisone a few hours after my regular dose of 3.5. Have had too much stuff going on around me. Feeling much better this afternoon. Maybe (just maybe) I'll try 3.75 tomorrow and stick with that a bit. Not good at decisions! Everyone here has been so helpful. Thanks to all. Any other comments are more than welcome.