Problems Tapering at 2.5 to 2.00

[Rymer]

I have done really well on the slow 7 week taper but over the last month I have had gradual stiffness and sometimes loss of use in my arms and hands. Some days it is much better than others which made me think it is a flare. Now I am getting stiff overall and my arms and hands are not allowing me to sleep properly. I tried to get a rheumatology appointment but nothing available until April. Would you lovely people suggest I go back up to 3 or 2.5 for a while before coming back down or should I take 5 mg for 5 days to see if it eases. I have also had a lot of stress, which I normally take in my stride, over the last month. Thanks in advance to all for your input.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I'd be inclined to follow usual advice for flare -see link - and when you drop back down to 2.5mg - as 2mg was obviously not quite enough to deal with recent stresses. a bit disappointing maybe, but best thing to do...

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healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Rymer in reply to DorsetLady]

Great - thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

When you start to feel returning stiffness or symptoms, it is a good policy to stop tapering at whatever stage you are at, repeat that stage rather than proceeding to the next and see if it improves or gets worse, If it gets worse - go back to the previous dose and see if that is enough. If not, use the flare protocol until you are in a good place again and back at the last good dose. Then I think having a rest from tapering for a month or two is a good move - amazing how often that can result in the next attempt going well.

And never forget how much effect stress can have on PMR!!!!

[Rymer in reply to PMRpro]

Always such sensible advice - thanks very much and I’ll remember to do that goi g forward.

[SheffieldJane]

Do you mean complete loss of use in your arms and hands? If so this may be a sign of another condition and I would see my GP as a matter of priority. If you just mean a kind of loss of strength in your arms and hands, then I would definitely follow the flare advice you have been given. Good luck!

[Rymer in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks Sheffield Jane. Not loss but so stiff and painful I couldn’t grip anything. I’ve just upped my Pred as PMR Pro suggested to double and it seems to be easing it. Getting a Dr appointment which isn’t with a clairvoyant is virtually impossible so over my 30 month journey with PMR you lovely people have been my only guides - so enormous thanks to all.