is it a flare or just because I’m using crutches

[Sumojo]

Two weeks ago I had two gluteal tendons reconstructed. During the operation I received extra pred. I had increased my pred from 5mg to ten for the week previous just to ensure as I had been experiencing extreme tiredness and body aches. I told the pain management this two days after the op and he said I’d be fine going back to five which was the dose I received in hospital . I’m in extreme pain now. It could be because of the crutches I need to use for six weeks, or it could be a flare. I don’t know what to do for the best.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Difficult to say and it could well be either or both. But I don't think I would have gone straight back to 5mg so soon if it had been me. Crutches are blooming hard work!!!!

[Sumojo in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. The crutches are giving me pains in my ribs, shoulders and arms.

[Sumojo in reply to PMRpro]

They really are!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I think I’d be in inclined to go back up to 10mg for a 7-10days [therefore treating as a flare] and then maybe dropping down to 7.5mg or 7mg rather than back to 5mg.

Give the lower dose a couple of weeks, then re-evaluate - you may be able to go down to 6mg - but you’ll have to see.

Bad advice from pain management guy in hospital….obviously didn’t fully understand the likelihood of a flare of PMR following procedure/recovery.

[Sumojo in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much. I’d been concerned when they were only giving me 5mg in hospital. I think you’re right. I’ll up the dose to 10mg for a week then drop to 7.5mg.