Tapering is hard work - patience, patience, patience

[SpaghettiWestern99]

Since my diagnosis in Aug-23 this group has been helpful in so many ways and I wanted to share the next stage in my recovery.

One sage advised listening to your body, you’ll know when things are improving and you’ll know when it’s time to change something in your routine.

How true this has been. After being on 6mg of Pred since the New Year I finally feel ready to try a small drop to 5.5mg.

In-between the only thing that has changed is going back to work. Which I’m now full time and 70% back to normal.

It’s a difficult journey this PMR and one that just can’t be rushed.

Thanks again for the advice & support.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good luck with tapering and work…

[123-go]

Talking of patience (those of us who have been on a longish or looong journey will relate)…..

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All the best!!

[Whippetygirl in reply to PMRpro]

How long does it take to learn patience. x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Whippetygirl]

UM. How long is a piece of string - trouble is, it takes patience!!!!

[sidra1968]

So true. My attempt from 17.5 mg to 15 mg did not "take", got pretty darn bad symptoms back fairly quickly and now doing the flare protocol. Felt better in hours, the "miracle" response to Pred. Only wish I didn't have my rheumy appt. tomorrow morning. Bad timing, as I was thrilled to tell him I was at 17.5 mg and trying for 15 mg. Oh well, it is what it is..gotta be able to live my life..lucky for him it's not his pain to live with.

[SpaghettiWestern99 in reply to sidra1968]

It took me long time to move off the initial 15mg. It will happen, just need to follow your instincts

[sidra1968 in reply to SpaghettiWestern99]

Yep, flared last July (in different body area) and following my instincts was the only thing that worked. Love your screen name, by the way!

[Missus835 in reply to sidra1968]

I hear you. 12 mg. to 11 has been hellish and the pain is increasing. GP says "not a flare but REGULAR ARTHRITIS PAIN". I am extremely upset with both her and the rheumy. Stayed at 12 for a month when it was only supposed to be a week. This week I'm attempting 11 mg. Arms shoulders, neck are screaming. Rheumy phone appt. April 9 and she is not going to be happy. Too bad. Thinking this is a flare and may try going up for a few nights. QOL is so important and they aren't the one's experiencing the pain.

[Exflex]

it is, but the slower you go the easier the ride.

[Viveka]

If you're working full time and want to play it safe, you could try 0.25 reduction to test the waters. It's all in the right direction!