Tapering / Flare Question

[canadacando]

I know there are so many resources here about tapering, so I’m sorry to have a redundant question… but, I’d appreciate comments. I’ve been 16 months on pred, and have had excellent success by tapering by 1/4 mg every 9 days since I got down to 7 mg. I got down to 1.5 mg and then got the Covid vaccine which appears to have brought on a flare, so the 1.5 no longer is enough. I can’t recall how high a dosage to take until the flare passes. Yesterday, I took 3 mg, and that didn’t work. Today I took 5 mg and the jury is still out. Should I go higher until the aches and pains subside? I was so excited to be getting close to “the end”…. I appreciate any comments and guidance. Mostly, I need to know how high to increase and for how long in order to kick out the inflammation. Thanks in advance.

Canada

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This links contains usual advice for dealing with a flare-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Usual advice is to add 5mg to current dose - so in your case a new dose of 6mg or 7mg should suffice. Just make sure you are on it long enough [up to 14 days is okay ] to mop up all inflammation - and then drop down to just above previous dose…

Have to say to be at 1.5mg within 16 months is quick… so maybe just slow up a bit -and make sure all is well… at such low doses many have found there is a big difference in 0.5mg or even 0.25mg when keeping your PMR under control.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You have the flare instructions from DL - but that is for overshooting the dose you need really. When you flare because of an outside effect, like the vaccine, it may not work quite the same because the disease activity may have been increased. Try adding 5mg first - and reassess after a few days.

Remember that some people get to a very low dose but need that ongoing, don't see it as being almost at the end. Even 1mg can be plenty to manage a low disease activity - but no pred is a step too far and the inflammation builds up again.

[SheffieldJane]

No question is redundant here. We know it’s the tricky bit. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. 🍀

[canadacando]

Thank you all for your comments! I will persist, and ultimately succeed!