flare up

[Jeanlindenburn]

I have had a flare of symptoms over past few days. I have had PMR for nine years and have seldom been below 5 mg of prednisolone. I have increased to 10 yesterday and today, how many days can I do this and be able to go back to 5 safely.

I am going on a 10 day holiday on Wednesday so I want to feel able to cope.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I have increased to 10 yesterday and today, how many days can I do this and be able to go back to 5 safely.

under flare protocol you can stay on increased dose for up to 14days with impacting drop back down.. and I’d be inclined to go to 6mg or 5.5mg rather than 5mg.

But after holiday you need to address why you can’t get below 5mg -how are you trying to taper?

Using one of the slower tapering plans we always suggest?

[Jeanlindenburn in reply to DorsetLady]

I have tried the slow method and got to 3.5 for a few months but gradually pain and stiffness returned. I wasn’t really enjoying a quality of life.

Rheumatology consultant happy for me to stay at 5mg for the foreseeable future.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jeanlindenburn]

Okay...well if you and rheumy are happy with 5mg, then sobeit... 🌸

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you think you need the full 10mg to get through the holiday? Have you been busy getting ready for the holiday - cleaning, washing, packing?

Is it the PMR or adrenal wobbles that are your problem when you try to go lower?

[Jeanlindenburn in reply to PMRpro]

I think I will stay on 10for the duration of the holiday and then go down to 6 or 5.5

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jeanlindenburn]

Fair enough. Will you then try a slow reduction back to 5mg? It is a lot more convenient and what your rheumy approves of - but you do need to find out if it is really enough and not resulting in intermittent flares.

[Thelmarina]

I don’t know how old you are Jean but I’m 77, have been on Pred for 6 years and am now on 7mgs. As I reduce Pred I’m aware of general aches and pains I think have been masked by the steroids and are due to age and arthritis (in the family!) so for me it’s a tricky judgement call. It also becomes a crisis of confidence. Upping Pred to deal with stress is very useful but sooner or later I want to taper to the point when I use less Pred and reduce side effects. Good luck and enjoy your holiday. Just wanted you to know you are not alone!

[Jeanlindenburn in reply to Thelmarina]

Thank you , I am almost 76 and have been on pred for 9 years now. I mostly manage the condition to some degree, but I do occasionally have flare ups when I do need to increase pred. Off tomorrow for holiday.

[tempusfugi in reply to Jeanlindenburn]

Do hope you enjoy your holiday, Jeanlindenburn.