Help please

[Jakey67]

I was diagnosed in late May year. Since taking Steroids and other meds been getting on OK. Tapered down to 10 mg due to taper to 9 later in August. I continued with some discomfort in left hand but the last few days I have developed pain, with pain in both hands, shooting pains, wrists now knees and neck. Not sure why all seemed calm. I seem very stiff again, half an hour’s gardening and I was bushed. I did fall off my bike a couple of days ago but I was virtually stationary and didn’t hurt myself.

Is this what is known as a flair? Should I just ride it out, rest more? Take painkillers ( which I’ve not needed since the steroid) and if so I understand paracetamol not ibuprofen? Thanks for help.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Did you have the return of pain before the bicycle fall - or afterwards?

I’d be inclined to return to 10mg and get stable again…. If that doesn’t work then you have need to follow flare protocol. Hopefully not .

As this seems to be your first post - maybe have a look at this link and I’m guessing you mean diagnosed May this year?

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

For info advice re flare - but try going back to 10mg first and see if that sorts it-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Jakey67 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your reply. I think the bike fall caused a spike because strangely, and thankfully, this morning I have woken up felling completely different, and pain free.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jakey67]

Good….and smaller reductions from now on..

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome!

I agree with DL- I think the drop to 10mg has been slightly too much and 9mg will just add to your woes. It really doesn't take much of a fall to cause a flare either - I had one toppling sideways from stationary some years ago.

I would return to the last dose where you were good and wait until things are settled down before tapering back to 10mg (if I understand you correctly you are currently at 10mg having tapered?). To be at 10 in barely 2 months is pretty speedy - how big were your taper steps?

[Jakey67 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for response. Tons better this morning (?) I dropped from the high doses by 5mg but future tapes are only 1.

[piglette]

Have you tried painkillers to see if they help? Otherwise follow DorsetLady’s advice and increase your dose for a short time and see if that helps.