Tapering after flare...

[Temoral]

Hello everyone. I had to go up to 5mg from 2.5 after a perfect storm of jab, flu , extreme fatigue and buzzing head...this was suggested by Rheumy helpline who were very thorough and understanding.Rheumy endorsed this in phone call 2 weeks later and agreed I should stay on 5 until after my holiday. Now though he suggests 2 weeks on 4, 2weeks on 3, 2weeks on 2, then reducing by 0.5 every 4-6 weeks ...

I think this may be too fast, but would value, as always your opinion. Is it a 'listen to your own body' situation.

I'm looking at DL slow taper which I was on before...TIA

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

We probably would have suggested a slightly different approach to a flare- in which you would have increased by 5mg for a couple of weeks and then been able to step back down quite easily to 3mg.

How long have you been on 5mg? I’m guessing at least 2 weeks, probably more…which means you probably cannot step down as we would have suggested…

His suggestion may well work, but one never knows… and if you aren’t confident that it will, then as you say, I thinks you have to go which way you feel happiest with…

Sorry haven’t given you a definitive answer… but there isn’t always… 🤨

[Temoral in reply to DorsetLady]

I've had 5 weeks at 5, which included the holiday...so as you say, perhaps tread carefully...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Temoral]

Yes, that sounds sensible….the last thing you want to do is upset the applecart .. good luck.

[Temoral in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, as always. 🥰

[SnazzyD]

If I was going to go against the doctor’s suggestion, I’d think back to how previous drops felt in terms of the body having to adapt and go with what my gut felt reasonable. If I was going to go with them but was nervous, a compromise might be 2 weeks on 4 say, one week on 3.5, then 2 weeks on 3. You could start off with a 1mg drop and see how you feel and slow it down if necessary. You can then go back and say you tried but had to modify it.

In the end nobody can tell what is going on internally for you so are going by gut feel and/or educated guess. The only difference is that you are the only one with your body attached to the gut feel.

[Temoral in reply to SnazzyD]

Such well balanced advice to try a compromise version of the Rheumy's advice, so that you can say you tried, then listen to your body. I am planning on the 10% drop to 4.5, then 4 if all feels good. As you say...my body, and my responsibility to follow the signs if I can interpret them. Thank you. I will be cautiously optimistic.

[Gimme in reply to SnazzyD]

"The only difference is that you are the only one with your body attached to the gut feel." I like that!