More pred??

[Maggieart]

Doc increased my pred to 15 mg. I had been on 4.5 for a couple of years. The plan is to get me on Kevzara. Until then, 4 + weeks on 15 mg pred. For the first two weeks, I have felt better than I have in weeks - months? Now the 15 doesn't seem like enough. It's the weekend so I can't communicate with doc. Would upping to 20 be smart? I hate that I'm going the wrong direction, but I am not gonna dwell on that. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’m a bit confused - in your last post 15 days ago you said this -

….Thus the jump in pain and consequently having to jump up from 2 years of 4.5 mg to 15.

I think I am okay at 10 for now, coupled with the exercise. I have supplemented with Tylenol, but I feel much, much better.

So did you go back to 15mg after that post despite saying you felt better?

And why doesn’t it now feel “enough” ?

Personally not sure you should be upping dose again without medical input.

[Maggieart in reply to DorsetLady]

Believe me, DLady, I am as confused as you are. My pain level keeps changing. PMRpro may have a point about doing too much. I still work part time and I tend to overdo at work. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Maggieart]

Difficult though it might be try not to overdo it at work. 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Did you immediately increase your activity level because you felt so much better? And try to carch up on what hasn't been done recently? If so, it is possible it is just DOMS - delayed onset mucle soreness - due to doing too much. And more pred is unlikely to help that too much.

What is his rational behind increasing the pred dose before starting Kevzara? Seems a bit strange to me!

[Maggieart in reply to PMRpro]

We have to get approval for insurance coverage which takes a couple of weeks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Maggieart]

I know - but why back to 15mg from 4,5 ...

[artfingers]

Many insurance companies won't pay for Kevzara or if they do it is a minimal amount and the cost is quite high for the patient. If that happens to you, I would suggest you and your doctor fill out the patient assistance form through Kevzara Connect and they will most likely approve you for their program (free or free to you and the insurance company picks up the rest of the cost). You have to be at 500% above the poverty level if you are in the U.S. which many folks can easily meet. Good luck.

[Maggieart]

Exactly what happened. Co-pay, after coverage, is @$1500/month!!! We are applying for the Kevzara program you suggested. Thank you.