5mg for flair…..?

[Tayzee]

I’ve now been on 5mg for 4 days and I definitely am less stiff and the pain is not as bad in my legs and back … my question is… how long should I stay on this dose before considering to increase to 6 if it doesn’t continue to improve? I’ve given up trying to ask the gp .. it’s impossible to get through to them! I was going to ask the gp ( before I took the 5mg off my own bat) to maybe start at 15mg to zap the inflammation build up and taper quickly to see what mg to remain on where I am completely pain free. My crp always came back normal and my esr was around 35 but my surgery won’t do esr anymore unless you have GCA. I’m thinking a week and then increase to 6mg? I’m just a bit unsure of how to go about it and a bit scared to play around with larger pred numbers without guidance…. 🤔

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You could try another week and see if any improvement - 4 days isn’t very long. And if it doesn’t seem to be working after that, then you can stop without it being an issue. Many take Pred short term for many problems.

But whether it does or doesn’t work, you will need to speak to GP, either for a prescription of Pred if it is PMR or an investigation into what it is if not!

And you are correct in saying you shouldn't be be experimenting with higher doses…

Can you contact surgery through eConsult. .. you need medical advice.

[Tayzee in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes I have lots of prednisolone from before… my question was not about stopping but about increasing by 1mg if it doesn’t continue to improve… I have read and got your post re flairs and how to manage them …. my gp has a 5-10min online slot per day for ask my gp which is often not available as demand outways supply almost immediately … and if you phone it says emergencies only and cuts off 🤦🏼‍♀️ I want to get gp advice but just need to feel better while I’m waiting as I don’t know when I’ll be able to talk to them.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Tayzee]

my question was not about stopping but about increasing by 1mg if it doesn’t continue to improve

Unfortunately the only way you will know is to try.... and we are regularly told by the charity and HU not to give direct medical advice, so we can only make suggestions...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

?shouldn't

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Yep - have amended - ta