Follow-up with Rheumatologist Re: Pred Tapering

[Moaningxcat]

I wanted to give an update from my last post, since so many of you were kind enough to offer suggestions, about my concerns regarding my rheumatologist’s tapering plan. I definitely have a better plan after writing to her via the patient portal.

I will be tapering from 40 mg in 5 mg intervals for 2 weeks (instead of the one week she was recommending). When I get to 20 mg, taper will be 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. When get to10 mg, 1 mg taper 2 weeks at a time. I definitely feel more comfortable with this plan. We shall see how my body likes it…. I asked if she is looking to replace the prednisone with methotrexate and she responded that she is looking to do just that.

This is a scary endeavor and I appreciate the support received on this forum.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sounds better - but MTX doesn't always replace pred entirely, most patients end up on both. We'll see - the proof of the pudding is in the eating!

[Moaningxcat in reply to PMRpro]

We shall see what happens while eating this pudding! Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Better than previous plan… but very 2 weeks may still be a bit quick. ..so just be a bit cautious..

.. and please let us know how things go.

[Moaningxcat in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you ❤️

[BlueKiwi]

An improvement, though still rather fast. I would be flexible on taking an extra mg or two for a day whenever the body niggles. And the Sick Day Rules, as found here and also published by various hospitals such as

plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/di...

can be printed out with full NHS branding and shown to those who need to be shown things.

[Moaningxcat in reply to BlueKiwi]

I have saved the NHS article. Thank you!

[Bobbury]

Wow thats really fast tapering. My body wouldnt be able to cope with that! Every person is different. Best of luck !!

[Moaningxcat in reply to Bobbury]

I can’t say I’m not worried. I can go back up by 5 mg for 2 weeks if I have problems…