Increase prednisone dose

[arvine]

joints, hand pain especially unbearable, in process of tapering. From 4 mgs to 3 1/2, tild was arthritis, since on very low dose now wondering if could take aleve, or naproxen temporarily see if get some relief of pain, ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You won’t know until you try… but if it is arthritis a topical get might be better for long term use.

[arvine in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you have

Tried topical containing arnica, no relief

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to arvine]

Arnica is more for bruising and muscles. A topical NSAID cream/gel like Voltarol might help and be less bad for the stomach. But if it doesn't work and you need tablets, it would be better to take a PPI as well. You can get them at the pharmacy.

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

Well thank you what is PPI tjough?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to arvine]

Stomach protection medication, we talk about them a lot on the forum. Omeprazole is an example, also called Losec, but there are others.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to arvine]

No - arnica wouldn’t -it’s not for arthritis

[piglette]

You could try Tylenol if you don’t want to use an NSAID.

[arvine in reply to piglette]

Have been using doesnt touch pain

[piglette in reply to arvine]

It does sound as if it could be the PMR causing the problem, so you should probably not have reduced. You may need to go higher than 4mg for a week or so to hit the PMR on the head and then reduce down again.

[arvine in reply to piglette]

So you mean hand pain can be sympton of pmr returning? Never had this sympton when originally diagnosed, and actually even while at 4 mgs, was having some of these issues, not quite as severe though?

[piglette in reply to arvine]

It was the fact that normal pain killers were not working. You could do a trial and increase your pred by up to 5mg for a few days and see if that helps, if not you can always reduce again. In fact you should reduce again within two weeks even if it does help but to a higher dose than 3.5mg.

[arvine in reply to piglette]

How to knowvif severe arthritis or PMR, so frustrating , tests in past confirm osteoarthritis in back hips and exrays results in hands, done while ago, now pain much worse, actually all joints, elbow and hip joints, Im a mess!

[piglette in reply to arvine]

If you are getting so much joint pain rather than muscle pain it probably is arthritis or you could just have a virus which also can cause that sort of pain. If it is bad I would contact your doctor. Keep warm and rest.

[k-mac in reply to arvine]

Feel for you! I’m in the same mess trying to work out what could be what and if there’s anything which can be done !

[arvine]

thank you

[k-mac]

Exactly the same here - 4mgs - 3.5mgs Rheumatologist says finger,hand/feet pain oestrogen level related arthritis and no solution suggested!Hope you get some useful advice....I asked my doc about HRT and was put in my place!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to k-mac]

Why is HRT out? I expect my doctor to discuss something like that, not smack me down like a naughty child.

balance-menopause.com/menop....

says "It is important that you seek individualised advice and discuss all the treatment options available to you. If your regular healthcare professional will not consider HRT for you, you may wish to find an alternative healthcare professional who has a special interest in the menopause.

This information also applies if you were on HRT but reluctantly, ­and under doctor’s advice,­ stopped taking it. If you want to start HRT again, see another healthcare professional if you have to, and explain your reasons for wanting to start taking it again. The NICE guidelines are clear that women can continue to take HRT as long as the benefits outweigh the risks, and for most healthy women, this is for ever."

Worst thing I ever did was to stop because of yet another scare story - which turned out to be rubbish. PMR started a few months later and I don't think it was unrelated.

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

Interesting, I took HRT for about 12 years started around 43, that s when the medical advice was not good, could cause heart disease etc, I noticed big change when I stopped as in everything started to sag, muscle tone was affected, ot seems with many meds they advise in beginning are safe and helpful, then 10 years down the road, you re told the opposite

[arvine in reply to k-mac]

estrogen levels?? At this point in journey, unusual comment , Im 76 and suppose estrogen level next to nothing by now, first time ever hearing related to estrogen levels, unless replacing the word “aging” ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to arvine]

Low oestrogen is actually one cause of PMR symptoms and has been discussed a few times on the forum.

[k-mac in reply to PMRpro]

Mmmm that’s interesting … wonder if any studies / info ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to k-mac]

No idea - try some googling? This "oestrogen imbalance cause of myalgia symptoms" got some results perhaps worth looking at.

[k-mac in reply to PMRpro]

That’s a good starting point , thank you ! I’ll give it a go 😃🌈

[k-mac]

worth a bit of research… arthritic joint pain is mentioned as possible menopause ‘sympton’ . I was told 72 too old for HRT. I was also told initially I was too young for PMR at 62 and that it would last 18 months ! I’m not sure menopause effects start and finish between certain fixed points . Surely falling levels and effects are individual…. I had no perceptible menopause signs ( apart from cessation of periods) and now wonder if these painful small joint issues are ‘menopausal’? Just not sure who to talk to as gp and normal rheumatologist uninterested . ( private Rheumie told me about falling oestrogen level arthritis…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to k-mac]

Presumably that private rheumy is too pricey?

[k-mac in reply to PMRpro]

Well he prescribed hydroxychloroquine which he felt was worth a punt but no result. I was more wondering seeing if a menopause specialist possible and low level hrt ?