Flare I think

[Hunter134]

I've had a very stressful last 5 months.Iam feeling a bit more achy and I upped my prednisone from 8 mg to 10.Did that for 10 days then went back.My question is I now have swelling in my upper arms and in both legs below my knees.Should I reluctantly go up more than 10mg?It's hard to walk.Ive had an echo on my heart and it's fine.

[Merryfield]

Nothing I have seen on this site has ever attributed swelling in upper arms and lower legs to PMR or steroids. Rather more muscle wasting. I defer to Pro and DL, however. If I were experiencing such symptoms, would get GP to do/order a thorough work-up.

[Grammy80]

Are you blaming the pred simply because of the timing? I agree with Merryfield that you should see the doctor. I've been on pred for four years plus..., I never had swelling in the upper arms nor heard it mentioned. Please take care 💞

[Hunter134 in reply to Grammy80]

Strangely I have had swelling before when I've flared.I get lines on my thighs and upper arms.It doesn't feel like fluid it feels inflamed.

[Grammy80 in reply to Hunter134]

Can you see a doctor to advise you? I really have no idea💞

[SnazzyD in reply to Hunter134]

Do get it looked at. Red lines are possibly inflamed blood vessels but nobody can really tell from here.

[Bcol]

If you've had it before, what did you do or how did it resolve itself? If in any doubt suggest you give your doctor acting for further advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Were you better on 10mg? If you have flared at any dose, you don't return to that dose, you return to the last dose where you were good but the flare protocol is not to add 2mg to the dose where you flared - it is add FIVE mg for a week to 10 days.

Only you can identify the dose you need for full relief of symptoms.

[Hunter134 in reply to PMRpro]

I've upped it to 13mg and iam a bit better all ready.I think my anxiety has caused it.When I flare I can see my muscles in legs and arms swell.Just me I guess.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

if it was a flare then as explained by PMRpro then you need more Pred. But not sure the swelling is related to that, so please get it checked out.

[Mewy]

I am not an expert or a PMR pro but I have had two bouts with PMR and prednisone . I haven't heard of swelling caused by prednisone as you described. Weight gain yes. My guess is that it isn't likely to be attributed to the prednisone. You should seek help from a physician. Hope you find an answer soon.Mewy