Dead Slow Nearly Stop Taper

[SufferingPMR]

Hi Everyone

I have been reading a lot on here about everyone's PMR journeys and find all the advice and help invaluable for my journey. You are all so supportive, it is really wonderful.

I am currently down to 3 1/2 mg of pred and have recently been tapering 1/2 mg every 6 weeks (ding donging between 4 and 3 1/2mg for 2 weeks, and then staying at 3 1/2mg for 4 weeks). I am also taking 1g of paracetamol morning and night to help with the stiffness and pain, which I assume is withdrawal symptoms rather than PMR itself. I had a blood test on 15th April in preparation of my next visit to the Rheumatologist at the beginning of May - my ESR rate is normal, but CRP rate is 22, down from 34 in February.

I will start the next taper on Monday. I am planning on following PMRpro's DSNS taper from now on, as I find I am extremely stiff for a good part of the day until I near the end of that month's taper on my Rheumatologist's taper plan.

My question is: should I taper 1/2mg or 1mg on PMRpro's DSNS taper plan?

I look forward to hearing from all you lovely and supportive people.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would do 1/2mg at this stage if you can - the less the change in dose, the easier it is for your body to adjust.

[SufferingPMR in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I was thinking that is what I should do, but lovely to have confirmation of it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

1/2mg every time once you get below 5mg. Good luck

[SufferingPMR in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you