Been at 1 mg prednisone for a week

[sdowney717]

Since going on meth and hydroxy, been able to steadily drop prednisone. Everything feels reasonably ok except for occasional morning stiffness which is odd as I dont feel stiff when I get up during the night like around 3 or 4 am. I still have awful and annoying middle fnger issues, the right one can not bend well and that was not an issue before PMR diagnosis. I was wondering if my taking d3 and k2 vitamins made that worse. I stopped taking that many months ago.

Before PMR both fingers could bend all the way down but they would trigger lock. Now no trigger lock but they just dont work normal. My finger pain when laying down in certain positions is improved and I think has to do with my shoulders which may still have small amount of inflammation blocking blood flow. It will feel just like if you sleep wrong on it and that area falls asleep. IF it was not for the finger issues, I would gauge myself at 95% ok.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"except for occasional morning stiffness which is odd as I dont feel stiff when I get up during the night like around 3 or 4 am"

That is commonly experienced - the inflammatory substances are shed about 4-4,30 am. That rejuvenates the inflammation and you may feel it until the next daily dose of pred kicks in.

[Gossiplady]

Hi sdowney717! I should imagine you have been reading our threads on trigger finger. I am at 1mg but if I try to reduce to 0.75mgs trigger finger appears.Apart from that I am 98% ok. So I shall just carry on at this dose. Life is too precious. Keep strong.

[Chiqui1950]

Hello sdowney717,

I take religiously Vitamine d3 to insure calcium absorption and K2 to inhibit blood vessel calcification. I have never had any side effects from taking them together or apart. I make sure that the vitamine D3 level in my blood is within normal taking a blood tests to monitor my bone health and avoid worsening of my prednisone induced osteoporosis.

My PMR involved severe pain in my lower back hips and neck in the morning and my fingers were never involved. One thing has been my experience with prednisone is the unpredictability of the symptoms which have been temporary--- a few weeks-- and then they disappear. I monitor my inflamation to make sure is within normal levels and then allow the symptoms to dissipate.I must add that I am only familiar with my sideeffects from prednisone alone as I do not take anything else.

Lots a patience and slow taper is my motto. All the best to you

[GucciPaddy]

Hi sdowney717,

I’m afraid I’ve no experience other than using prednisone for my PMR - and they work well in my case. I’m currently on 3mg daily and plan to reduce to 2mg shortly. So unfortunately am unable to advise you on other or alternative treatment for PMR.

So sorry to hear you’re having finger issues! I fortunately never had any symptoms other than stiffness pain in my shoulders during my 4 years to date of PMR. But stay positive and I wish you well.

Paddy