Tapering 9mg to 8mg in light of surgical radio frequency ablation procedure in varicose vein .

[Lasagne777]

I am into my 2nd week of reducing 9mg to 8mg of methylprednisolone. Doing the 5 week tapering plan. I have pain in my hips at 3.30am when I get up to take my steroids but when I awake at 8am I am comfortable with no pain the rest of the day . Is this normal to have pain at 3.30am . Is It advisable to keep reducing from 9mg to 8mg according to the plan since I don't have the pain in my hips and upper arms during the day. I am due to have varicose vein surgery next week . Should I stay on this weeks reduction plan for a few weeks after the surgery to prevent a flare? Any advice is appreciated

[SnazzyD]

I would wait. It may be that you are teetering in the edge of not enough Pred for now.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would wait with the taper too - no guarantee it will prevent a flare but it gives you a better chance.

Pain at 3.30am is on the early side unless it is just due to the antiinflammatory effect of the previous day's pred having run out of oomph. But yes, not unusual and fine providing it clears up quickly with te nex dose of pred - and doesn't worsen if you taper the dose.

[Lasagne777 in reply to PMRpro]

So stay on 9mg and wait with tapering to 8mg? How long should I not taper ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lasagne777]

Until you are recovered from the surgery! No hurry - what's a few weeks in the great scheme of things!

[Lasagne777]

Thankyou to you both for your good advice .