Stuck at 4.5mg

[jaycee444]

Have been on 4.5 mg since last November. Saw hip surgeon in January who told me to stay on 4.5mg rather than risk a flare before my surgery for hip replacement which took place in March. After my op I was in a lot of pain (from the surgery) with a prolonged recovery so even though my GP told me to try reducing again I held off as I was sure it would cause problems.

In April my 15 year old dog became very ill and I was having real problems taking care of her as I was on my own but I did my best trying to clear up after a vomiting and doubly incontinent pet whilst recovering from my hip surgery. Eventually she became so poorly that she had to be euthanased and I was totally distraught. 2 months on from that and I finally have tried now to reduce to 4mg using DSNS but my body does not want to know and the old familiar PMR pain is creeping back. I did think that after 6 months on 4.5mg I should have now been able to reduce again but I think that with all thats gone Im just going to have to hold off and be patient (and so is my GP)

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Agree - a lot has gone on, and whether your GP likes it or not, your PMR is telling you at the moment you cannot go lower.

Won’t be forever, but for now, just stay at 4.5mg and carry on recovering from a traumatic few months… 🌸

[piglette]

I think when you have got down to 4.5mg you can happily take your time. You have had a lot of stress recently too.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You weren't aiming relentlessly to zero, you were looking for the lowest effective dose for the interim while the underlying cause of PMR was bumbling along. And 4,5mg seems to be that interim destination. It doesn't mean you won't get lower - just not yet! And your adrenal needs have been on the high side for the last 6 months or so!

What a sensible hip surgeon!