Slow, slow, quick quick slow -to taper or not?

[IdasMum]

I've forgotten the name of the tapering method. It's come to me in an hour or so I am sure.

Canada was amazing and exhausting, we've been back since the 31st May and are still recovering.

Mark was diagnosed with OA in his knees in March. Despite steroid injections before we left, his knees did not work well. He now has knee replacement planned for 19th July (I know, it's quick here).

I am to see my rheumatologist tomorrow. Her plan was to start me on a reduction of steroids. I am on 10mg. Last Autumn I'd dropped to 7mg however it didn't go well.

I will suggest this is not the time to taper. I have taken on more of the running of the household as Mark is hobbling. It will only get harder after the op for a month or 2. I am sure she will agree.

I was also thinking that on my own terms I might try to drop to 9mg, I am hating the side effects and since apparently my PMR is in remission it's only the addiction I will be dealing with.

1mg x 1 in week 1, 1mg x 2 in week 2 and so on until I am at 8mg x 7. Is that how it goes?

So many photos to choose from, I thought I'd share this one. Horseshoe Falls, Niagara at night.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Plans to choose from -or do your own thing -whichever suits-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Good luck what you decide …

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hang on - reduction to 7mg didn't go well and you need more to cope with Mark's OP but "apparently my PMR is in remission" - non sequitor that ...

[Nagswoman]

I had always been pushed to lose 1mg of preds a month or faster, for the first 6 years and kept having to go back to 7.5mg. New rheumy changed that to 1/4mg a month a year ago. This month 3.5mg a day. Next month 3.5mg on odd days, 3mg on even days. August, 3mg a day. Apart from the odd infection, respiratory and/or UTI, this is the best symptom-free taper so far. Not even any erratic heart beats. They were a big issue. If she pops in here at all, thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nagswoman]

Give her a hug from me!!!!!

[agingfeminist]

You can't know your PMR is in remission except by tapering ...and doing that very slowly. You don't need to worry...there is no such thing as pred addiction. Although at lower doses you can suffer from adrenal insufficiency as the adrenals begin to resume producing the steroid (cortisol) that the body needs. This is very unpleasant and makes you remember how much easier life seemed on higher doses of pred...but it is not a withdrawal symptom (as people suffer when addicted). Good luck on this journey...hope it goes smoothly.

[Poshdog]

Your photo is really lovely. Glad you had good time. Good luck

[herdysheep]

How about trying to reduce .5mg a time instead of 1? Worked much better for me after years of hiccups

[IdasMum]

Thanks for your replies. Of course after writing I realised it was a stupid idea to consider tapering at this time.

Mrs Rheumy was in accord and has left me on 10mg per day and 17.5 Mx injections. I'd found little improvement with the alternating 20mg Mx, so she's left it off. Blood tests reduced to bi - monthly which will take some getting used to after 7 years!

As per a previous post, we're dealing with RA in my hands now rather than PMR. Symptoms are similar.

[Mystik]

I had knee replacement in august and due for the next one in sept I highly recommend it but please ask you orthopaedic dr all the necessary question and your concerns ! It’s changed my life

[IdasMum in reply to Mystik]

Thanks @Mystik, I'll let Mark know.