Treat as flare?

[Malaga47]

Good morning all. I’ve been using 5 week slow reduction and at last I’m down to 7mg. During what should have been last 3 days on 7mg started having pains in shoulders and tightness with slight pain at back of thighs, so I’m continuing on the 7mg. During this time I’ve had a terrible cold, which I still have and feel absolutely miserable so don’t know if this could be the cause of a flare. Any advice as to whether I should persist on the 7mg for a bit longer or increase under sick day rule.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

SDR are really for when you are ill enough to be in bed… and a cold although it can make you feel thoroughly miserable probably doesn’t fall into that category..

Sounds as if it might be a combination of the cold and 7mg being not quite enough [even on a slower plan, if a dose is not enough, it’s not enough].

I’d be inclined to go back a couple of steps on the plan - and repeat them, along with plenty of TLC.

Obviously if that doesn’t work then you may need to treat as a flare- so see this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Malaga47 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you again DL. Your advice is always appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with DL - always difficult tapering if you are/get ill. See how it goes with just a tad more on an earlier step. If the niggles get worse - maybe a bit further back.

[Malaga47 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro. Will see how it goes and hopefully I’ll be able to get back on track.