Should I Start The Scheduled Taper

[Missus835]

Firstly, Merry Christmas! As you may remember, my GP upped my Pred from 14.5 to 20mg. Tapering by 2.5mg monthly. Supposed to drop to 17.5 tonight. I've been quite ill since Tuesday last. Started with just a little weakness/shakiness. Stomach rolling, belching, etc. Had to tap out of MRI that night. Nerves and spinal pain. This escalated Thursday night to watery, yellow, flaming diarrhea and acid up the esophagus. Burning stomach. I'm on 2 PPIs. All night. My stomach is still very sketchy. Then, 2 huge boils appeared on my butt in, next to rectum. Used black teabag poultices on these yesterday. They drained late afternoon. Never have I had these boils. Been using staph protocol just in case. Still feeling a little weak. Stomach still very active. BRAT diet mostly. Couldn't eat a half sammie last night. Thinking a trip to ER is in order, but not on Christmas day. GP might be in office Wednesday. Last nerve is holding on by a thread, what with the 9 fractures and all. I don't feel the taper should be started this week. Thoughts please?

[Koalajane]

I think you should not taper while feeling so I’ll. I hope you start to feel better soon.

[SheffieldJane]

Don’t start the taper. You maybe losing some of your dose anyway. I would increase by 5 mgs until you see your doctor. You sound so ill Missus835, have you considered an ambulance?

[Missus835 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I am quite ill. My daughter will take me in if necessary.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well no - no taper until you are recovered from whatever it is.

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

I have no idea what it is Pro. Unless covid, which I've never had. At my daughter's right now but so very sore. Stomach is not up to Christmas dinner. No fever at all. Shaking my head.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No tapering for now… ….

[Freshairfiend]

my heart goes out to you. Yes, an ambulance may be a good course of action.

[Missus835 in reply to Freshairfiend]

Thanks. I'm sure my daughter will take in if necessary. I would feel better finding out what it is or isn't.

[PMRCanada]

Oh my, you’ve been through the wringer haven’t you! Not the Christmas anyone wants. Glad you are with your daughter in case you need to go to the ER (which may not be a bad idea).

There is a nasty stomach flu that has gone through my son’s family about 10 days ago, so perhaps that’s possibly what you’re experiencing.

Sending you healing vibes and well wishes.

[Missus835 in reply to PMRCanada]

Thanks. Yes I had thought a stomach flu or Covid, which I haven't had that I know of. I've not had a fever or chills. Maybe the ER tomorrow morning. Sometimes my anxiety gets the best of me too, but that's not this.

[Hunter134 in reply to Missus835]

I got covid in April for the first time.Everyone has different symptoms.My husband got off me and couldn't get out of bed.I on the other hand had no fever,no body aches and functioned just fine.Two weeks later got severe cough and pneumonia.It sounds likely it's flu or covid.Hope you get sorted out and start to feel better soon!

[Hunter134 in reply to Hunter134]

My husband got it off me.Just didn't sound right.lol

[Merryfield]

My goodness. Sounds like all the scourges of Pharaoh. I would want to get my boily butt and all the rest to the ER pronto.

[Missus835 in reply to Merryfield]

Thanks. Hopefully I can hold off.