flare or arthritis

[Sumojo]

I’ve been on 6mg Pred for about five months after trying to reduce from 5.5 to 5 and feeling unwell.

lately my knees and back have been painful and a joint in my little finger has suddenly swollen. I’m thinking it’s probably arthritis. I’m 80 so can probably expect my arthritis to spread. I’ve got severe arthritis in my foot which prevents me walking very far. The pred has never touched that pain at all.

I’m travelling by plane tomorrow for a week to a very humid city to see family. I’ve upped the dose to ten two days ago to help me through the stress of both family commitments and long travels.

it seems to have made no difference at all to my levels of discomfort yet. Am I too impatient after only two days or should I just go back to 6mg if it’s not going to help?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think you are being impatient really - if it hasn't helped after a week you could say it probably isn't going to. I don't know about you, but humidity really "gets" me.

You have booked airport assistance haven't you? Earlier is better but at check-in is also usually possible.

[Sumojo in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll give it a week on ten and see if it makes any difference. I’m going to Cairns with my daughter and her husband so I’ll have assistance. Certainly not looking forward to the humidity, only a two year grandson waiting at the other end could make me go at this time of the year!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sumojo]

Yes - but booking airport assistance means you won't have to hurry and get priority for seating at gates, lots of things that your family can't offer. It can benefit your travelling companions too.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Sumojo]

Assistance from family members is not the same as special assistance from airport staff… you still do a lot of hanging around, and standing!

And be patient on the increased dose…

[Leafsong66]

Hi there! Welcome to Cairns when you get here! I’m just up the hill an hour away. I’m afraid to say that you are absolutely well informed on high humidity and heat. Hopefully you can get lots of air conditioning and have a wonderful holiday!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Leafsong66]

You up the hill where the train goes? And I gather the Cultural Centre has gone - it was wonderful.