7 day sick rule PMR

[Sunshine8888]

Hi everyone just reading about the 7 day rule and wondering if my flare up is because I didn’t increase my steroids but continued to decrease from 12 down to 10, whilst ill. In recent weeks I’ve moved into temporary accommodation which has been stressful, in the first weeks I had Norovirus, followed shortly after by COVID which floored me. I now have pain across the top of my back, buttocks and tops of legs also heartburn. First couple of days of being on 10 and really trying to keep to my tapering plan however wondering if I’m doing the wrong thing????

[SheffieldJane]

Moving is very stressful. Tapering is a bad idea when you are under stress and ill. Bed rest and stop reducing. Get well soon.

[Sunshine8888 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you again! Think I need to listen to my body more especially as I’m moving again before Christmas 🙏

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

A few basic suggestions about tapering - don’t attempt to taper when

a. feeling ill

b. whilst on holiday or just before going on holiday

c. just before something you know is likely to be stressful [moving] Christmas, planning a wedding etc.

Not entirely clear, but do you mean you are tapering from 12-10mg in one go? If so, that’s probably too big a drop. Whatever, I’d suggest you go back to 12mg - get settled, and then try 1mg a time… but maybe not until you are rehoused.

[Sunshine8888 in reply to DorsetLady]

🙏 as much as I want to taper my steroids think I should wait until I’m settled, should have given it more thought

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Sunshine8888]

A good idea…winter and Christmas makes things more difficult as well…

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not sure what you mean by the 7-day rule - but NEVER, EVER try to continue a taper when you are unwell or under stress of any sort for any reason - be it emotional or physica, nasty or nice. Even a holiday is a good reason to postpone a taper step!! Nice stress perhaps - but still stress. And as for house moves - no, definitely no taper!!

And keep those taper steps as small as possible.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Honestly, with all that going on I'm not surprised that you are struggling!! I see that you have had the best advice. Hope that you are settled soon and your symptoms abate.