suspected flare

[Pandora2]

Hi all…..I reduced from 4.5 mg pred to 4 mg 12 days ago, all was well for the first few days but I then started to feel a bit rough, back ache, weakness, lacking energy . I am flying to Ireland tomorrow so three days ago increased my Pred to 5mg in the hope that all would be well in time for my weeks holiday, sadly it isn’t , I still feel awful. Please can anyone advise on where to go from here. 😵‍💫🥱. XX

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Unfortunately think you need to treat as a full blown flare as described in attached link- an odd mg rarely works.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Too late now I know, but it’s never wise to taper before a holiday,

Hope you can get things back under control.

[Pandora2 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL for your advice, fortunately the OH and I are staying with a friend in Ireland so I plan to drag myself there.

I plan to increase my Pred dose by another mg to 6mg and if that works to continue with that until we return home and drop back down to 4.5mg, the last dose I was okay with.

Do you believe this to be a reasonable plan? XX

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pandora2]

Will your plan work? I don’t know, but if that’s what you want to do then try it… you’ll soon find out..

And might be sensible to request special assistance at airports- it know it’s not long haul, but still hassle and stressful.

Enjoy your holiday.. and all the best.

[Pandora2 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much, fortunately both Airports are on the small side so I think my husband will drag me through okay. I know I’m no spring chicken at almost 82 but I’m not a quitter and usually manage what I set out to do. Thanks again XX

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pandora2]

I have had problems at small airports with standing in queues - that is what I cannot cope with.

[Pandora2 in reply to PMRpro]

I’ll second the OH for that job. XX

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pandora2]

But you have to be there for your passport and security!

[Pandora2 in reply to PMRpro]

He can telephone me when he’s at the front of the queue. Xx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pandora2]

The whole point of assistance is that there IS no queue - the assistance staff go straight to the head of the queue. And since I request wheelchair assistance I always have a seat with me!!!! Even if I have to wait at the gate ...

[MarilynHead in reply to PMRpro]

I’m now airside awaiting gate opening. Needed to don a firm pantigirdle to straighten my back and take my 5mg pred but managed quite well. XX

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MarilynHead]

🤣😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MarilynHead]

MrsO a founder member of PMRGCAUK on the forums years ago swore by a good pantygirdle for back pain!!!!!

[Carathedog]

I always take Airport Special Assistance, sometimes if they are very busy, they let my husband push the wheelchair, it’s an excellent service and free. It’s often the queuing that’s most problematic, but you skip all the queues.

[marionofnorwich]

I used assistance on a National Exoress Coach once going from Norwich to Bristol. I arranged when already on the bus from Norwich and it was all brilliant. They met me at Victoria, escorted me across the road to the terminus and sat me in a special room, got me some tea. I waited for the Bristol bus and got a special seat with space all around and was even able to join an online webinar using headphones and the coach's wifi. It was amazing and all for a £15 ticket! I had also booked a train ticket weeks before but realised that I couldn't do the transfer across London with a damaged knee