Pain increasing

[Aqua47]

I thought I was doing ok with 9 mg of pred since June 1. But it seems my hips and low back are hurting more lately. Walking is very painful and I’m slowing down each day. My neck has also started hurting, which is a new problem for me. I’ve had to lie on the heating pad for the last 2 days,for my neck, around 5 am. I’m still taking my pred at 2 am, except for last night when I didn’t hear my alarm-woke up at 3:30 with hands hurting. What do you all suggest?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you were OK at the previous dose - go back. That may be enough but if not, use the flare protocol by adding 5mg to the dose you flared at for up to a week and dropping back to the last dose you were good at. Once you start to feel symptoms after a week or so at a new dose - that is your body telling you that you have overshot the dose you need. Even 1/2mg can be the difference between OK and not and if you leave it longer, the inflammation will build up until you are back where you started and the simple answer isn't enough.

[Aqua47 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, I will try 10 mg tonight, and for a few days.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ditto to PMRpro comments -

[Aqua47 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you!