Flare on 15mgs prednisolone?Swollen Eye rears it's ugly eye ball.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Last 2 days not feeling so well, woke with the symptoms which were present prior to the 'swollen eye (uveitis) in the other eye, as well as headache, face ache (literally, like sinus pain). Fatigue etc.. Now some muscle aches in arms, neck and buttocks.

I have been reducing from 60mgs which was the emergency dose for the eye, so when settled quickly down to 20mgs for a few weeks. I reduced to 17.5 for one week, 6 days ago15mgs for another week with a plan to hold and come down at 1mg doses until hitting 10mgs. Anyway, best laid plans, looks like a flare which at 15mgs is a real downer given that I have taken such high doses.

I am so tempted to wait before upping the dose as pred is giving me so many issues (low potassium and blood pressure, pre-diabetic scores despite drastic change to diet, brain fog etc...)

I need some sensible heads to advise, maybe reduced too quickly? Did go over the 10%reduction.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’d be inclined to go back to 20mg.. and then reduce a bit more slowly - and only one week at each dose was obviously too much for you.’

Better luck next time.

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to DorsetLady]

I just needed telling😀 Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

😂

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't wait - that may only allow things to get entrenched, Go back to 20mg and taper SLOWLY this time. Even tapering is a stressful event, you have to take it easy!

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to PMRpro]

Honestly, having read all the posts, the replies and the articles posted, my impatience overrode it all. It's a lesson. Shall I add another 5 now and back to 20mgs am?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Might keep you awake this late! But a couple of mg maybe!

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to PMRpro]

Cheers x

[Grammy80]

Trouble getting on site again tonight......I'm so sorry, but I hear you, loud and clear. I know I'll be at 60mg for a bit, but the rheumatologist did say, " we will reduce very slowly." I hope you have taken the advice of the 'old-hands,' and when I reduced successfully, I would stay on the new dose for 4 weeks so I felt solid at this new level. Don't let it get out of hand and I think it is worth staying awake for. Be well💞

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Grammy80]

Site is being a right pain at the moment! 🙄

[Grammy80 in reply to DorsetLady]

If it would join the forum...it might get straightened out~!!🤣😂💞

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to Grammy80]

Thanks Grammy, it was worth it, extra gave me a few palpitations but better this morning. x

[Grammy80 in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

I'm so glad ---- our body needs time to adjust to these dosage changes. That is why I would not reduce in less than four weeks...that worked for me. Little bumps initially, but they would smooth out.... Happy you are better, and isn't it great to feel more secure?x💞

[Researchfreak]

please tell me you are using the drops provided for your uvitus. Re pred I’m not the person to help. But my motto has been to follow my body and head. Good luck

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to Researchfreak]

I am , different drops to address the pressure in the eye rather than specifically for the uveitis which resolved with the high dose of pred. You are so right about listening to your body, I knew I wasn't feeling right, next time I will be more careful. Thank you for your reply.

[2chains]

Hi there! I read your symptoms- sinus type pressure/numbness in face, eye pressure. I'm curious are these PMR symptoms?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 2chains]

Not really in our experience. They MAY be present in GCA but I would say more likely in GPA which is a whole other world.

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to 2chains]

I was worried about GCA, who knows? Moorfields haven't been able to give a definitive diagnosis aside from Uveitis and paid little attention to the face pain which has now subsided again now I am back up to 20mgs. Something else may be going on....oh joy🤔

[Grammy80 in reply to 2chains]

When I was diagnosed with GCA, my ophthalmologist put me on prescription drops, Brimonidine to maintain a low eye pressure. It is used for glaucoma in the treatment of high pressure. My only other irritants have been dry eyes, another script, and 'tears' over the counter to keep them moist. The eye pressure has worked brilliantly.....but those dry eyes have been in 'cure-scratch' mode for a few years. It is just a bother, but can be handled.💞