Reducing dose of steroids

[Bulliedog]

After reading posts of anxiety etc. when reducing the dose of steroids I am worried. This is my first day of 12.5 after weeks of 15 mg does anyone have no problems and sail through?

Bulliedog

[SnazzyD]

Yes they can sail through. Problems of all kinds are more likely to occur if you reduce too fast as in too large a jump and not enough space in between. It is common to feel off for a few days soon after dropping which is the body readjusting to lower levels of Pred that is affecting the whole body.

If you mean the issues related to low adrenal function, it normally becomes a consideration under 10mg and usually under 7/8mg. If anyone were to test your adrenals now, they would likely show very little function but that’s because you have more than enough of the natural cortisol replacement, Pred. Before you get to 10mg, it is worth reading the section about adrenal glands from the FAQ’s which is essential reading to understand how to navigate that next stage.

It is still early days for you so think about jumps of no more than 10% of your last dose to make it as smooth as possible. Remember you are look to find the lowest dose for you as an individual that will hold your level of inflammation. It isn’t about getting to zero and job done.

[123-go]

Yes. My own experience of reducing from 15mg to 12.5mg was good. If, as you say, you have been taking 15mg for ‘weeks’ the Pred should have got a hold on the inflammation in your body and you should have no problem with 12.5mg. What may affect you is worrying about what ‘might be’. Stress, whether it be physical or mental is unkind to the body and if you try to cultivate a positive attitude it may serve you well. Do try a few minutes of quiet meditation each day to calm your mind:it has worked well for members here. I will look for links.

If you haven’t tried meditation the following may be helpful:

google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DCh...

[SpaghettiWestern99]

Bulliedog I’ve recently just gone through the drop from 15 > 12.5.

My experience is that my body and mental well being has taken several weeks to get used to the on-going PMR symptoms, the reduced Pred and dealing with a long term recovery. I’ve tried to keep active and reduce any stress, both of which seemed to helped.

It’s not been easy, but with the support of this forum & my GP I’ve made it through and I’m now moving onto the next taper towards 10mg.

Good luck

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi and welcome

Yes they do -so probably don’t need help from this forum, and that can skew people’s (especially new members) view of the disease(es))

I had GCA so on much higher doses initially,, and would probably say I sailed through treatment (diagnosis a different matter!)… with only a few very minor issues at lower doses when adrenals need to start working again.. but never suffered from anxiety as such.

As you are new you might like to have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Many do, yes, Anxiety has never been a problem for me until now I am down to 5mg after many years on pred. Now I do find stressful events difficult - dealing with officialdom and paperwork here in Italy is by no means my favourite occupation and I have had more than my fair share in the last 2 years.

Keeping the taper steps small and slow is the best way to reduce the chances of anxiety. But the underlying autoimmune disorder can also contribute to the feelings - so avoiding stress is a major help if you can.

[Leafsong66]

yes, I went from 12.5 mg of Prednisolone to 10 mg with no discernible difference. All the best!

[Thiago1396 in reply to Leafsong66]

I went from 12.5mg (5 weeks) to 11mg and after 7 days my right shoulder rotator cuff area, pain started. Similar to when my PMR started in March this year. So I increased to 15mg for 5 days and today tapered to 12mg, hopefully staying on 12mg for 4 weeks, before tapering to 11mg. I’m hoping to get to 10mg by the end of the year 🤞

[Viveka]

Absolutely. For some people the few days of withdrawal after taper are hardly noticeable. From 12.5 to adrenal territory can be a sweet spot. Some people sail through the lower doses and adrenals are fine.

People only post when they're experiencing problems, sometimes because they have been put on a too fast taper, so there are many more who are fine.

[Oh-my]

Keep yourself busy and fully occupied. Before you know it the week will have gone by