Familiar pains

[Hunter134]

I am having back pain ,hip pains and arms.This feels like when I first got diagnosed.I know stress has caused this but not sure how much I should increase my Prednisone?I was on 7 mg.but just for a week.I can hardly walk and I care for my husband.So frustrated with this disease.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Usual advice for dealing with a flare is in this link.

And I’d go back down to either 8mg or 7.5mg as 7mg is obviously just a bit too low - especially as you are under stress -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You will need what you need - the amount that works. Start with the flare protocol DL has linked and work from there. But you know we both say don't worry about tapering when you are in this sort of situation - you must be able to function at the level YOU need, not what a doctor thinks is right.

[Hunter134 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the quick response.It just feels like I am getting nowhere with this disease.Disheartening at times.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hunter134]

It isn't that you aren't "getting anywhere with this disease" - one thing that doesn't go well with PMR/GCA is stress and you can't do anything about the situation you are in, you can't walk away from it can you? And that is a factor here.

You are always looking for the lowest effective dose to manage the PMR symptoms - and that lowest effective dose isn't as low when you are also stressed. This is the point at which many people need their adrenal function to start to top up the pred level with cortisol, it does vary quite a bit. The constant state of awareness you are in needs support from your adrenal function - in its absence you need a bit more pred. I promise - DL and I know plenty about it. It isn't your "fault".

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hunter134]

Ditto to PMRpro's comments... it's very difficult at times, especially when things aren't under your control.

[SheffieldJane]

I don’t know about the health system in Canada but is there no government help available with your caring responsibilities? It is going to be very hard to get better when you are constantly doing too much and are subject to damaging levels of stress. Please ensure that you access everything that you can. Such as respite care for your husband, maybe help with cleaning, delivery of meals, visits from nurses to help with some of the personal care. We used to be able to show off about the NHS, when all the above was available. Perhaps Canada is in a better state than the U.K. is now.Could family give you a break? You must ask for help when you clearly need it.The steroids won’t do it alone. I can’t imagine how you cope.

[jls93]

I have been where you are.. quite a few times for a variety of reasons, primarily when tapering using pregnisone "sparing" meds. Each trial would take 6-10 months always trying to determine wheather my physiology was adjusting/adapting to lesser prdgnisone dose or the "pregnisone sparing med" wasn't working. Sufice it to say adjusting my "expectations" while recognizing each day I had/have to manage the body/physiology/attitude I wake up with. During these episodes and personal experiences i have had 8 othopedic surgeries... I hear and have some understanding /appreciation of your frustations. Pursue your health and be sure to gleen an understating/appreciation of how your body/brain/physiology actually is and repsonds to your circumstances, stressors and pains. Hang in there.

Sorry for the late reply.. more stuff on my end that I am moving through currently.. Best to you