Hi, reduced my prednisolone about 2 weeks ago to 4.5mg from 5mg and have been okay until today. A couple of twinges here and there but manageable. Today I’m feeling awful, headache, pain in back, legs, feet and shoulders/neck. Absolutely exhausted and feeling tearful. Could this be a flare do you think or because I reduced my prednisolone and my body is struggling?
Should I increase the prednisolone again?
Any advice would be great, x
Could be a combination of flare and adrenals, 2 weeks after reduction is usually about the time a flare hits…. And as you mention twinges - it could well be that.
Problem is, if it’s a flare you obviously need an increase, if it’s down to adrenals, it’s really just a matter of working through it.
This time, I’d be inclined to go back to 5 or 6mg and see if that helps….stay there for longer than your usual timescale… and give both the PMR a bit of relief and allow the adrenals to do a bit of catching up.
Info on adrenals -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Advice on flares-
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thank you, I’ll give it a go. I take my prednisolone at night should I take the extra this morning then the higher dose tonight?
Sounds like a plan… hope it helps. Obviously if not, come back or consider usual advice for flare… but hope that won’t be necessary .
Could be either or both. Or it could be something flu-like? Or even - Covid?
And I agree with DL in what to try.
I have recently had covid jab and tested so don’t think it’s that. I’ve taken the additional prednisolone and feel a little better already so think it is a flare. I think I’ve overdone it this week as work has been demanding and I did some gardening yesterday afternoon. On reflection I should’ve done less or no gardening after a long day at work. I just felt so well, sun was shining and can see that was too much. I’m usually good at pacing myself so bit annoyed with myself really but you live and learn. Thanks to you all for your advice and support x
Think you have answered your own question there…. Sun shining and gardening is a lovely combination - but not always good for PMR!
Yes I didn’t think really and had forgotten about it this morning. Then was racking my brain to think why I would feel so awful and remembered. Won’t do that again!
Next time - just sit in the sun!
Little bit is okay, but with gardening you are apt to get carried away and forget the time… been there many times myself… with and without GCA!
Low enough pred to get low cortisol symptoms? 
Low cortisol
low cortisol 
Suffering severely. Cortisol too low.
Possible flare
