Energy back finally

[Chopin002]

it’s been a long haul. I am happy to say that after much dreaded fatigue, off and on when tapering ,I am finally feeling well with energy to live a normal style life. Adrenals were acting up a lot when trying to reduce from 3 down. Now at 2.25. Question , does this mean adrenals are functioning good for further reduction or will they cause problems again ? It is amazing to be rid of the deathly fatigue. Will they stutter again when I try 2 and lower. ? My previous question regarded osteoporosis. Since I feel well and only my spine is -3, t score after research I am electing to avoid the drugs and add Vit k, protein and weight excercise . Hope this works for me , but never felt well enough in the past to do this . Would like to stay this way. Thanks for your responses.

[HeronNS]

Sounds good! No one can say what you'll encounter as you taper lower, but doing well at any dose below 5 is a good sign. At least, I tell myself that . Don't attempt to rush it but listen a lot to your body. It's better to taper extremely (and I mean extremely) slowly than to risk a bit of a yo-yo pattern, which is a possibility as one chases the elusive zero! (I've got the t-shirt!)

You might consider, if you aren't already doing this, finding some safe exercises you can do to strengthen muscles which support your spine. Years ago I kept complaining about my back, and in fact it seems there is some compression of nerves in my spine which caused some problems (no fractures, just a combination of gravity and osteoarthritis). In any event I was sent off to the physiotherapist when nothing more sinister was found and for maybe nearly 30 years these exercises have been part of my daily routine. There are also safe ways of lifting, bending, etc, which will guard against spine damage while you work on increasing muscle strength. Possibly this site can get you started if seeing a physiotherapist isn't on your radar. (I was fortunate enough, pre-covid, to attend an osteoporosis workshop at our local hospital where one of the sections was on safe ways of moving, with particular emphasis on maintaining good balance (avoids falls) and guarding our susceptible spine.)

osteoporosis.ca/exercise/

[SnazzyD]

That’s great to hear. I found that reductions could be easy or not so easy for no apparent reason at these levels. Keep going but I wouldn’t get too excited and try a bigger drop or shorter period. Also, keep an emergency pack with when out and about just in case for some inexplicable reason your adrenal axis is caught napping. Otherwise sounds hopeful. It’s great when the clouds of fatigue start to lift.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hopefully adrenals are ‘on the go’, but as suggested, keep going with the tiny steps and slow taper and keep a supply of Pred in purse or pocket.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"Will they stutter again when I try 2 and lower. ?"

Only one way to find out - even 2mg is plenty for normal every day function according to the research done by Imperial in London. So continue with little steps and carry pred with you just in case!

[cycli]

sounds positive and I honestly have no idea of such low dose and adrenal function. However I think that an inversion table is one possible answer to relieve back issues under gravity using natural body weight, Your spine is supported by the internal and external long muscles (longissimus) around the spine and the internal pair These are also assisted by the core muscles which benefit from plank exercises.

[Chopin002 in reply to cycli]

Thanks, good to know. I have also discovered that a vibration plate works well. I happen to have one in the garage . May now get some use out of it.

[cycli in reply to Chopin002]

how are you doing

[Chopin002 in reply to cycli]

I am feeling the best out of the past 5 years, reducing about a quarter every two months. Not as great as the day I wrote though. The days can still be up and down. I was hoping adrenals kicked in and stayed that way. Found out they do stutter here and there so sometimes a couch potato again. It’s a battle, that’s for sure.

[cycli in reply to Chopin002]

it's difficult. I am hoping to get down to that level but knowing what everyone seems to go through am dreading it. Can't be helped. Hope things get better for you.

[Chopin002]

Hope it goes well for you too. The positive on low pred seems to be that my head feels so much more clear. It’s the fatigue , but that does get better it seems. Thanks for your interest.

[cycli in reply to Chopin002]

welcome. I think I am improving but very slowly. I have noticed the return of stability and strength. It is minimal but considering how much I have lost it is welcome. Reducing the pred. seems to be the key. I am on 10mg now and stable. Hoping to drop to 9 soon. Just had bloods so if no inflammation wil continue reducing.