Further update on breast/nipple pain! And tapering!

[Sungolfer]

Hello everyone.

So much relieved that following mammogram - no abnormalities found apart from dense breast tissue - which is unsurprising following historic mammoplasty. I still have the discomfort near my right nipple - maybe a little less - which the examining Dr could not explain. But interestingly looking through old posts here a few folk have commented on breast pain whilst on Prednisolone - I feel my breasts have got very slightly bigger or fuller so I’m putting it down to this?!

Whilst here - but maybe it should be a separate post I am now on 9mg having tapered from 15 on diagnosis in October. Been on 9 for 4 weeks and due to try 8.5 this Saturday. In the early morning (before taking Pred)I am aware of tenderness in my left upper arm - which was prevalent before I started on this journey. During the day I’m fine with no symptoms - apart from slightly more heavy legs when walking up hills with dog or on golf course! But at 77 I reckon this is probably quite normal? So my plan is to reduce to 8.5 and see if morning inflammation increases and adjust accordingly if it does. So if this does happen advice on where to go to with regard to increase - and just a short 10 day increase to then drop back to maybe 9 again?

I consider I am very fortunate when I read a lot of posts which I do every morning whilst drinking cup of tea with my ginger biscuit! I have always been energetic and do find it quite difficult not to do “stuff “ - but my energy levels don’t seem to have been affected much despite being told by various folk “you do too much”. Don’t suffer from the fatigue that is mentioned. So in many ways I just keep pushing on - maybe I should learn to relax and not feel I should be doing something!

Anyway best wishes to everyone and as always so very appreciative of all the wisdom and empathy and gentleness illustrated in posts and replies on this invaluable forum.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good news on mammogram..

As for tapering, just give it a go and see what happens…but just make sure the arm and heavy legs issue don’t increase…..

You could always try a slower tapering regime rather than an ‘overnight’ drop - that makes things easier… and less likely to flare. And although it’s good to be aware that things may not always go smoothly - don’t assume they will before the event. Sometimes you can overthink things.

Initial advice if you feel your current dose isn’t enough it to return to previous dose, and only treat as a flare if necessary.

Tapering plans to choose from -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Flare advice - should it be necessary- hopefully not -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Sungolfer in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you 🙏

[PMRpro Ambassador]

And I agree with DL's comments. I don't think you can decide what to do until it happens - it may not! But if it is only the discomfort increasing I don't think full flare protocol is always necessary if you react quickly and indeed - even a couple of days of adding 5mg may be more than adequate to sort it out.

[Sungolfer in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you too 🙏!

[Cow25]

Dear Sungolfer, I have not experienced breast pain as such but enlarged breasts along with other body parts is likely due to fluid retention. I would like to elaborate but my priority here would be to say, without health unlocked support, I would not have endured the past two years of PMR. Even with a long background as a naturopathic practitioner and as an obsessive health science researcher. Health Unlocked’s Dorset Lady, PMR pro, Snazzy D and ALL contributors have saved my sanity, time and time again.