Update flares won't stop

[bonmaine]

I wrote a couple of weeks ago re. down to 1.5 mgs fr 2 and flared due to extreme stress, illness and death. Went back to 2, no help, went to 7, worked for 3 days then symptoms retd. Went to 10, same as above, went to 15 , where I'm at now. and have had a couple of slight twinges, thus letting me know Its still here. Like 6 days now See rheumy again on Tues. Was told to stay on the 15 till then. This never happened before. 15 is the most he's ever given me in the past 1 1/2 years of tx. Anybody know what's going on and what I may expect? Why the short feeling better, then not? Appreciate yr help. To anyone getting down that low pl take my advice and go VERY slowly. I did but guess it wasn't enough. Thank you. ( may take me a day or 2 to answer) and we are expecting another hurricane.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it is a lot more likely that your stress has poked the underlying autoimmune disorder and IT has increased in activity, causing the flare. It isn't always just slightly overshooting the dose you need though it is more common. Going slowly would have made no difference - I had been steady and fine at a dose for a few months before the disease itself ramped up. It happens - it is disappointing but that is the nature of the beast, especially in the first 18 months to 2 years.

[bonmaine in reply to PMRpro]

TY I'll keep on slugging along. Will update down the road.

[SnazzyD]

What are you trying to do in your daily life? I ask because the Pred can do only so much if you are pushing your body, by circumstances or design. You are only 18 months from start of treatment too and your low dose may simply be too low if anything other than easy life comes your way.

[bonmaine in reply to SnazzyD]

Apparently you are right. Nor trying to do much. But, yes, good old circumstances sure pushed my body. TY, have to remember to watch my expectations.

[LemonZest11]

Hi there bonmaine, I'm in my 5th year and things seem under control at the momen🤞but in the first 2 years I flared badly a couple of times because, I realise now, I was impatient. Once you get below 5 you really need to slow it down. I tapered by half a milligram, staying at new dose for weeks, and below 3, I tapered by a quarter, carefully cutting my pills. As the experts on here (and I'm not one of them) have taught us, it's not a race. Hasten slowly.

[bonmaine in reply to LemonZest11]

Hasten slowly TY so much. Reassuring. At 15, helped for a few days, now preparing for a hurricane and shoulders are really feeling it. Appt with rheumy on Thurs but will probably have to be rescheduled. I'll get the ole Tylenol out.