cataract op and reducing pred

[Lclmlbls]

I’ve been following Dorset Ladies tapering recommendation dropping 1mg approximately every month.

30 May - reduced from 12mg pred to 11mg. Returned on 6 June to 12 mg as I had a few problems with my right hip then reduced again to 11mg on 13 June.

My plan is to reduce today to or tomorrow to 10mg. I’m due to visit the Edinburgh Fringe on 6th-11th August and hoped I would by then have stabilised on 10mg. But, I’m due to have a cataract done on 15th July. My question is should I reduce to 10 now or wait until after the op or after I’ve been to Edinburgh?

Obviously I want to be done with pred asap as I’ve recent developed a moon face and am struggling to keep my weight stable.

Thanks for reading.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I would certainly waiting until after the cararact replacement. See how that goes first, then you have time to think about the next taper….but tbh an extra month on current dose is no great shakes in the great scheme of things.

Personal opinion, I’d get op and visit to Edinburgh out of way before I considered next taper.

[Lclmlbls in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your advice as always. I thought that may be your reply.

[Lclmlbls in reply to DorsetLady]

I reduced to 10mg on 14 July and now have my Edinburgh trip and cataract op out of the way. Do you think I could try dropping to 9mg now? Is it necessary to do a slow taper or or just go for a straight 9 and stay there for a month if all goes well? How should I proceed after that?

I need to speak to my GP this week and would like to agree a plan of action with her. She has been agreeable to my suggestions in the past.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lclmlbls]

I’d be inclined to do the slow tapering plan - after all my basic one takes 5 weeks [but could be cut to 4 if really necessary] - and it’s easier on the body than a ‘overnight’ taper.

You may be okay with a 1mg taper per month initially, but many find once they get to 8mg or 7mg it’s better to then move to 0.5mg per month [that’s when then adrenal issue is likely to come into play]. And if queried by doctor - that is in line with guidelines - ie.” Once below 10mg reduce by 1mg every 4 to 8 weeks depending on disease and patients wishes “.

[Lclmlbls in reply to DorsetLady]

Many thanks. I will start the taper this week. What would I do without your advice? 💐

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would wait - and you will be done with the pred when the PMR is done with you. As long as the PMR is active, you will need pred, it is a management strategy not a cure that you then just have to get off.

Have you tried cutting carbs drastically? Especially processed carbs and added sugar? That is by far the best way to manage the fat depositis and weight gain with pred ...

[Lclmlbls in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your response. I’m trying hard with cutting carbs but have been to Wimbledon and staying with friends currently so it’s not as easy to do as when eating at home. I just re-read my appointment letter - it’s 15/8/23 and not 15/7/23 🫣

Honestly, there’s no hope for me!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lclmlbls]

Just shows you DO need cataract replacement 😂🤣

[Lclmlbls in reply to DorsetLady]

Probably a brain transplant as well!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lclmlbls]

Get in the queue for that....

[Koalajane]

hi, I have had both my cataracts done and stopped my taper both times until after the ops. The last op was a week ago and I am starting my taper next week.

With regards to moonface I cut my carbs and didn’t get one.

Good luck and enjoy the Fringe

[Lclmlbls in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks for your message. Back on the diet cutting the carbs when I return home. Looking forward to the fringe (sort of). It was a challenge before a PMR diagnosis so it won’t be easy I know that. Don’t want to miss it though.