Mood Change.

[Flinders61]

I’m currently 2 years into PMR journey. Just reduced to 6mg in last month. I think I have noticed a trend of a fall in mood before noticing physical symptoms of a flare. Does anyone else identify with this observation?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Could be the flare, and I found mood changed when I reduced Pred early days [steroid withdrawal] - but at your dose it could well be adrenals struggling.

Have a look at this re adrenals- and if you regularly flare perhaps you are trying to push the tapering too quickly - so ease up on that as well - try smaller steps and slower taper - you need to do that anyway to help adrenals -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Suggested tapers -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Flinders61 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, I have learned the hard way not to push too hard when reducing so have been very careful with taking it slowly & using your DSNS regime. I will try to ride this out by taking life very easily for the time being . I plan to stick at 6mg for a while as I have a 2 month cycling trip planned in August.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Low mood is associated with PMR/GCA anyway, it is listed a potential symptom. Then there is the potential for low mood or variable mood with adrenal insufficiency as you get to lower doses.

And with a bike trip like that in the offing - I wouldn't go any lower antil afterwards! Make sure you take plenty of pred with you just in case and have a Plan B - also just in case!

[Flinders61 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your helpful response. Since diagnosis I have been aware of a more flattened affect. I have learned to adapt to this but definitely notice a worsening as I have reduced the steroids. Some reductions worse than others. I am planning to stay at 6mg until September when we return from our UK trip. I’ll be packing plenty of prednisolone!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Flinders61]

Ah - that cycling trip is in the UK? I was a bit concerned about the effect of high temps on the pred (not to be kept above 25C) but that isn't likely to be much of a problem on a bike in the UK. Even in August ... Where are you going?

[Flinders61 in reply to PMRpro]

It is, escaping our Tasmanian winter such as it is!

We will use our bikes & trains to ride various routes as weather allows. Hebridean Way is our first ride, some of the NC500 if midges & Scottish weather permits. My fitness has taken an absolute hammering so slow & steady is the plan. Our destination is wherever we land!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Flinders61]

Aye, well, if you are up there, definitely no 25C! You may even find it resembles your Tasmanian winter ... In fact, having just looked - pretty identical today!!!!!