Flare on the way ?

[Jigsawlass]

I'm on a slow taper of 0.5mg every 8 weeks which has been going well. I reduced to 3mg from 3.5 2 weeks ago and things have not felt quite right . I have had some pain at the base of my spine, not all the time and in some of my fingers and my wrists too . Over the last few days my shoulders have started hurting a fair bit . I have been playing the piano more recently so wondered if the shoulder pain is a bit of DOMS but didn't have it at 3.5mg . Painkillers this afternoon haven't helped. So, if I assume it is a flare creeping in what should I increase my dose to , and for how long before reducing again? Picked up my latest supply of Pred today and I have cartloads ! Thanks as always

[piglette]

The normal rule of thumb is to increase by 5mg for about a week or so to really hit the PMR on the head and then reduce in two steps, perhaps to 4mg or so on the first step and see how you go.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This link contains usual advice for dealing with a flare - and back to 3.5mg not 3mg….

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Viveka]

Personally, and I realise this may be controversial and may not be right for you, I wait a week to ten days before considering the pred flare protocol unless the symptoms are very bad and getting worse markedly.

This is because I have had false calls, particularly around the 2 weeks mark, with symptoms that cleared up after a week or so.

Just a thought.