Flare? Or neuropathy?

[Bedwell]

As some of you know!!! I have reduced from 15 mgs 3 years ago to 1 mg at present.. trying Dorset Lady’s sensible reduction.. now trying 0.5 mgs gradually. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Flare as such. Never back to what started me off on pred 3 years ago . But I have throbbing feet.. etc.. now tingling hands and knees and odd pains in legs and arms.. particularly at night. Nightmare!!!!

shoukd I try a high dose ? For how long? And see if it makes any difference? That would tell me if present symptoms are pmr related or not? Wouldn’t it? Thank goodness for you lot!!!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well if it’s not a flare ( and if not sure) -maybe try ordinary painkillers for a few nights and see if they help.

If they don’t then use the usual flare protocol as described in following link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

If neither work then you might need to rethink..

[Bedwell in reply to DorsetLady]

Thankyou. I already take zapain and gabapentin at night!!!! Before I go to bed. And sometimes take another zapain about 3 or 4… oh dear!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bedwell]

In that case try flare protocol -and see if that helps.

[Bedwell]

yes Thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I always have to look up zapain, such a silly name if you ask me! - codeine. Have you tried some paracetamol with it?

Otherwise - I agree with DL.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

No I haven’t. But I’ve always found zapain good in the past!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Just codeine and paracetamol is what you get in cocodamol and even more effective than either alone.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks.. don’t know if gp would prescribe.. but will ask!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Paracetamol is hardly the most expensive medication - 37p for 16x500mg tablets in a supermarket!!

[Stills in reply to Bedwell]

Cocodamol has provided the most effective pain relief for my rheumatoid arthritis and PN in my legs but note I don’t have PMR

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

The first ref I got for zapain said it was codeine - but I see it is actually cocodamol, codeine and paracetamol. Don't add more paracetamol to that or you will overdose on paracetamol and that is dangerous.

[random901 in reply to PMRpro]

Certainly agree with the combination!

[Eatsfruitsandleaves in reply to PMRpro]

My rheumatologist told me to avoid Zapain. It's written in my notes. I don't know why, just saying.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Eatsfruitsandleaves]

Most rheumies approve codeine based meds - NSAIDs are to be avoided. Does it cause you constipation?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Eatsfruitsandleaves]

Codeine containing medications do have the potential to be addictive.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

doesn’t cause constipation . But I have alternative meds for that anyway.. should I need it!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

I was replying to Eatsfruitandleaves. it does say.