repeat prescription

[Reclus]

thanks so much for all the replies to my post re difficulty in a repeat prescription. i'm not sure how to reply to each person so hope this is ok. i have recently moved house so that's the reason for the new surgery. in fact they have sent a prescription to the local pharmacy so i have enough now for another month will try at the end of the month to request some more medication. i can't understand why doctors keep wanting to cancel the prednisolone. do they think we want to be on these tablets? but anything is better than the symptoms if the pred. is reduced/withdrawn.

in the previous pharmacy/surgery i went to collect a repeat prescription and they had cancelled the prescription completely i was panic stricken which didn't help my stress levels but the pharmacist was not going to budge no medication until i returned to the gp and the next appointment was at least 6 weeks away so i guess this is a slight improvement.

anyway for the time being situation resolved i can relax for a while and enjoy christmas. i hope you all have a wonderful christmas and thank you so much for your help and support.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I think one problem is that many GP arent used to prescribing for PMR - they are only used to prescribing Pred short term. Plus they don’t really understand PMR/GCA.

Hopefully you won’t have further issues.

Fine to raise new post to say thanks to all 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

SIX weeks wait for an appointment??? Wouldn't do to be ill would it!!! When I do have to return to the UK I shall make sure I have a year's stock squirreled away!!! I'm sure I can manage for most things ...

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

My supply of nuts is now exhausted. Lol

[Excelsior80]

If they want to see you about long term medication but dont have an appointment for 6 weeks they should continue the current prescription till the appointment, shouldnt they? I feel lucky in my surgery who do listen, I would leave a message explaining and expect to hear back within a day.

[Missus835 in reply to Excelsior80]

I agree, but had to go in, not on phone, and plead for enough to get mebto the next taper, which is every 28 days.

[Orange_2022]

Happy Christmas! I read your previous post and was worried for you. I'm fortunate as I can order my Pred online whenever I like and have plenty of spare and they leave me to get on with it. Just means I have to remind them I need/want a check up every 6 months or so! Hope your GP starts to be more understanding in 2025.

[59kimmy]

My GP has been very supportive of prescribing Prednisolone, l have tried to taper down, but symptoms just come straight back. All the very best for getting your prescription without a fuss. Merry Christmas Kim

[Missus835]

Been and am exactly where you are. In terrible pain and supposed to be at 5 mg. Can't seem to breach the 6-6.5 dose. Almost back to beginning PMR pain. Have GP appt Dec 24 so tomorrow morning. GP allows no extra "just in case" pred so there's no shifting it. Maybe by .5 for two weeks. Taking daughter in with me to help me plead my case. I mean, I think they think we actually love being on this medication. I've got a couple of other diseases going on as well, but the pred is not for these. Gall bladder is having a go too right now. My wonder is...so she gets me to zero (not my goal) and I'm still with the PMR pain...then what? She can say hurrah I was right? So so stressful. I'm in NS Canada, so there's no shopping around for GPs. I may try our virtual care system if it comes down to it. Was going to go into ER but decided to give her another. It took 2 years on the list to get this one..🙄

[Ginntonic]

our surgery is very helpful re repeat prescriptions. I have developed a technique for building up sufficient supply.

I explain we are going away for say, 3weeks and therefore I need 3 weeks supply. At the same time I explain I need so many to get me from now to when we leave and finally I ask for a fortnights worth for after we return to avoid me having to rush to get them on my return. I helpfully work out the numbers this will entail to ensure I get what I need. I also explain there will be no wastage as I am on Preds long term.

Over lapping requests I.e. re order well before they run out and go away 2 or 3 times gives you a backup .

Not sure if this helps but I hope it does

You feel you need to be able to take control of dealing with the condition rather than the GP!