operation steroid taper

[Holycow2]

Hi all, so I have managed to get down to 5.5 after raising for a week to 10 as thought I was having a flare.It’s difficult to tell if the pain in thighs is a flare or due to the arthritis in my hip. I’m having a hip replacement at the end of next month. My question is should I stay on 5.5 u till after the operation? Also how do you know if your adrenals are starting to work again?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’d stay on current dose until after operation, don’t try and taper any more, nor until you are well recovered after surgery.

You are more likely to know if adrenals aren’t starting to work … fatigue is usually the most obvious, but headaches, nausea, upset stomach, general malaise are also common. Are you suffering from any of those?

Maybe have a read through this link-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Good luck with surgery.

[SheffieldJane]

Good luck with your operation! I have heard marvellous reports about the transformation it creates for your mobility, pain and freedom.

I am sorry that you are being tormented by an anticipatory simmering flare. This always happens to me with an challenging obstacle ahead.

The anaesthetist and surgeon will have instructions about your steroid intake before, during and after. The last thing they want is Adrenal problems. I imagine that it will be administered in an IV. In the meantime I would sit tight on a comfortable steady dose. Good luck, Imagine your self skipping about like a spring lamb next year. The very best of luck! 🍀

[Holycow2 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Awwwww thank you! I will be glad when it’s over that’s for sure!….going to see the rheumatologist today for the first time. Been on these steroids for just over 2 years now. Very confusing with pain j in. All diff parts of my body and not knowing which pain is down to which ailment 😞

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with DL.

Good luck with the surgery.

[Holycow2 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you! 😬

[piglette]

If everyone is happy for you to be on 5.5mg I should stay there if they work well at that dose. Arthritis in the hip pain I found was very different to a PMR flare I found. You won’t know yourself after your hip op.

[Holycow2 in reply to piglette]

Yea that’s what I thought. Saw the Rumy he said just to stick at 5mg for now until after the op and have recovered a bit.

[piglette in reply to Holycow2]

You should mention you are taking steroids to your surgeon and/or the anaesthetist if you haven’t.

[Holycow2 in reply to piglette]

Yea thank you I did tell them but will remind them again when I go down for the op.