how to handle a flare

[Artwatercolour]

over time I got down to 3.5 but severe low back and hip pain especially upon rising AND during day if not sitting with proper lumbar support. I have increased by 5 so at 8.5 on my 4th day / better but not good at all Do I stay for the 10days or increase if so to what?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think you probably need to discuss this with your doctor. I have severe low back and hip pain that isn't directly the PMR - it is greater trochanteric pain syndrome which involves the trochanteric bursa on the outer aspect of the hip and spreads across into the lower back with sacroiliitis because I also have some lumbar spine problems.

This gives the criteria for a differential diagnosis and it includes lumbar spine issues

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Just increasing pred doesn't always sort it out - more targeted approaches are required so asking the doctor is a better move than just increasing pred as if it were a PMR flare. It has worked recently for me - as part of a whole range of things. But it is going to mean a BIG discussion with the medics!!! Being on Actemra got me to 6mg pred - but the low back pain is so much better at 10mg and the ordinary pain killers I can take do nothing.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As PMRpro says you need to discuss with medical team - doesn't sound like "just a flare"