Might have to up pred.

[Jooster]

I was feeling quite pleased with myself as I have slowly, slowly managed to taper to 2.5mg pred thinking to try 2 or 2.25 in February. Life never seems to play by the same rules though! I have PsA as well as PMR and with the cold weather have noticed quite a swelling in the joint and top knuckle of my middle finger, so much so I can't make a fist or straighten my fingers without them looking wonky!( and painful) I had an appointment with the Rheumy nurse this morning, who feels I may need to up the pred again, and will let me know when she's spoken to the Consultant. I know I will if I have to, but feel rather fed up as I felt I was making my best progress to date. Never mind , what will be will be, just needed to off load to people who understand.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Sorry for the set back, commiserations. Getting this low though is an achievement in itself so pleased for you for that. Hopefully you wont need to increase the dose by too much. I guess the swelling could be something else entirely or RA, hopefully your rheumy will be able to tell. Take care and good luck with it.

[Jooster in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Thank you, I think the swelling is my psoriatic arteritis. Not much fun having a double autoimmune whammy! I've got a lot to look forward to this weekend, seeing both my gorgeous grandchildren 😍

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to Jooster]

Lovely, enjoy!! I looked up PsA before replying and thought it was the prostate antigen test so didn't realise that you had a double whammy🙃, oh dear. That's google for you. Sending good wishes💐

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Are you on anything for the PsA?

[Jooster in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I am on leflunomide. I'm not quite sure how raising the steroids will significantly help the PsA?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jooster]

Pred is used to get flares in inflammatory arthritis under control too - as a short course usually while the usual medication is also adjusted sometimes.

[Jooster in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I didn't want to up the pred unnecessarily! I'm fairly settled at 2.5mg pred, so hopefully will be able to quickly taper back, luckily I don't seem to have any struggling adrenal problems, fingers crossed.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jooster]

If you are on a higher dose for less than 2 weeks, you can drop straight back to your previous dose. Up to 4 weeks you will probably be able to drop in a couple of steps. So it makes sense to use a considerably higher dose for that first week or two to deal with the inflammation quickly and efficiently rather than messing about with the odd mg or two that won't achieve much.

[Jooster in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much PMRpro, I'm waiting for the nurse to call me as my usual Consultant is on paternity leave ( how dare he!) and she's waiting for the locum! I feel more confidant now I have this information.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jooster]

HFFFFF - think they should offer backdated paternity leave to our husband who just kept going or used holiday!!! Pay compensation would do. Not that my husband was a lot of use ...