Finding reducing too stressful

[Groggrim]

Hi, I have been struggling with reducing since I got to lower levels and this morning I contacted my doctor because I felt unwell and the myalgia was returning. I was advised to stop worrying about the stress of reducing for now and go back to the level when I last felt all right.This has taken away a lot of pressure and given me some respite which I need. Tomorrow I am going from 5.5 up to 7mg for a while, then back to 6.25 in a few weeks and take it from there.

Many thanks to all who so freely share their experiences and offer their advice so willingly. G.

[piglette]

Are your symptoms caused by the adrenal glands starting to wake up or being on too low a dose of pred?

[Groggrim in reply to piglette]

Not sure piglette, the doctor declined my request for a blood test to check. I suspect maybe a bit of both after a recent episode of reducing too much too quickly.We also have a bit of family stress and I guess I might not have the resources to fully cope with it.

[piglette in reply to Groggrim]

How do YOU feel though. If I relied on my blood tests I would get the wrong answer!!

[Groggrim in reply to piglette]

Piglette, in the mornings I feel like ***t. In the afternoons I feel better so long as I don't overdo it. Three days with our daughter and 18 months old grandson plus grand-dog did me in, but I wouldn't miss out on family time for the world 🙄

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Groggrim]

Not surprised the family time wiped you out… but sometimes it has to be done.

[piglette in reply to Groggrim]

I do agree about not missing out on being with the family, but you can overdo it. People need to realise you are unable to carry on as you did in the good old days!! I know I am my own worst enemy and hate to say no!

[Groggrim in reply to piglette]

Oh they know piglette but I am my own worst enemy, just like my mother was.

[piglette in reply to Groggrim]

Sounds like me. Initially I just could not say NO, but slowly I learnt to!!

[Groggrim in reply to piglette]

I know I need to deep down but as a life long people pleaser, due to a rather iffy upbringing, I find it almost impossible.

[piglette in reply to Groggrim]

Just like me. Try it once!!

[Groggrim in reply to piglette]

I need to think about how to go about it. To say it without trying to justify myself or come across as aggressive which I know I can do at times.

[piglette in reply to Groggrim]

Quite a challenge!

[Oboes22 in reply to Groggrim]

Hi Groggrim, you sound exactly like me in many respects, the stress, the tapering level, being a people pleaser and learning to say no and also the guilt I have when not returning a phone call or answering an email immediately. It's hard at times but I now say 'Ill let you know' and take time to assess what I'm being asked and then say gently 'I'm afraid I can't help' and without giving an explanation. I always felt I had to given an 'excuse' so to speak but I now know people respect and accept me saying 'no' at times. It does reduce the stress but when it comes to family it's rather a different matter and I don't ever want to miss any time with them. I hope you feel better soon after resting.

[Groggrim in reply to Oboes22]

Thank you for your kind and caring post Oboes22. Are you a musician by any chance?

[Oboes22 in reply to Groggrim]

Hi Groggrim, yes I am an oboist and I also play the flute and sing - all amateur stuff though - How ddidd you guess !!!!. I'm 5 years in with PMR in March and tapering again to 6.5 after several flares - it's a journey and I so appreciate all the help and advice from so many people on this site. Stay positive and safe.

[Groggrim in reply to Oboes22]

Thanks for your message. I played piano to grade 5 when I was younger and learned treble recorder to grade 3 in my 50s. Just because I could 🙂I am currently at 6.25 after yo yoing up and down and have been advised to forget about tapering for the time being as 6.25 seems to suit me at the moment.

Lovely people in this forum and a good GP really have helped.

[Heimat15 in reply to Groggrim]

Hi Groggrim, I'm a similar age and was told as a child - be quiet, don't be a nuisance and girls' should always be nice. Well, quite frankly, bugger that! Bending over backwards for everything and everyone hurts. I'm convinced it's what made me ill in the first place. So now Im polite but firm and tell people who don't know that I have a condition which needs rest to manage and often have to remind those who do that my battery has run down and takes longer than normal to recharge. If I'm in pain that day I don't ignore it, I admit to myself and others it's there and needs managing. This means I can prioritize time with my family and they appreciate that and knowing I'm not pushing myself too far. I feel sad and cross that women have had to put up and shut up at a great cost to themselves. We deserve to put ourselves first for a change. Btw I'm 2 years into PMR and stuck at 7 mg. Earlier this week tried reducing to 6 half and pain in shoulders, neck came back. Upped to 7mg now. All the best.

[Groggrim in reply to Heimat15]

Thank you for your message. Yes, my upbringing is what led to me developing chronic fatigue syndrome in 2004, lots of unresolved stress. It's only recently I have really started learning who I am.

[Oshmar in reply to Groggrim]

Same here. Two days with the lovely lovely grandchildren this week and I’m back to staggering up and down stairs. Wouldn’t have missed it for anything though xx

[tangocharlie]

Sounds a sensible doctor. As PMRPro says just about every day, it'snot about relentlessly reducng to zero no matter what. Try again in spring when you're feeling more stable

[Groggrim in reply to tangocharlie]

Thank you yes. I have a hospital visit coming up so will definitely not be thinking about reducing till that is dealt with.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All sounds a good approach to me!

[Sorolla]

Yes as others much wiser than me keep saying, this strange process requires a lot of patience! Good luck with it.