So, apologies, as posted before, PMR x 1 year, also thought by Rheum crossover of psoriatic arthritis. Osteoporosis and other chronic conditions which I’ve coped with for years.
Got down to 9 mg Pred a few months ago, sx flared up, Gp put Pred up to 12.5mg. Rheum was not happy and stressed s/e profile, wanted me on Methotrexate. I was initially quite scared of doing this due to those s/e and all the other meds I had been put on.
So persevered and got back to 9 mg Pred and wham. Beyond horrendous. I developed sharp stabbing buttock pain, primarily R. Side, so much so have had to use a stick to mobilise Gp phone consult insistent sciatica although no radiating pain down leg and bilateral sides, said put Pred up by 1mg and if that did not work it was not PMR and to contact Rheum (easier said than done).
Neck beyond stiff (I’ve always thought if like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz I could have a can of oil and apply inside I’d be fine), shoulders disgraceful. Could not lift R shoulder at all, could not get clothes over my head, L. Not as painful but grouchy. Spine/ ribs making themselves felt. One morning I thought I had broken my hip as I could not weight bear on my L. Leg due to the pain going up to my butt ?sacro ileac joint. I was close to calling an ambulance which I have never done.
so cause? I had tried to do a little bit of gardening (I cannot stop doing everything as it is just me, my son and mad pup, but I had tried to rest as the pain was non stop.
I took advice from one of our eminent members and started the Flare up programme as described by DorsetLady. Put the Pred up to 15mg.
D.3 Yesterday was an improvement but today I am floored again. Shoulders, neck, butt and so tired.
The stuff I had to do this morning became a monumental task and I have now given up and taken to the sofa. This frightens my son who is so used to seeing me up and running around. That in turn upsets me.
I am due to start MTX injections and was given an app in March. I am due a Rheum follow up but I rather feel they may delay that to see how I respond to the MTX. The surgery, I have not been seen in person, phone consults only and different people each time, I’m quite nervy about ringing there now as I feel a nuisance …bit like I do always posting on here at the moment so sorry.
Normally I can work stuff out and get on with things but not this time. Mentally it’s dragging me down, I’m scared, had awful thoughts about death, leaving my son, what would happen to him…my close friends are a long way away and since having to give up work a year ago (I am 66 but wanted to keep going until 70 to support the pair of us) I have become very insular and I think like Groggrim who was so brave to share, that comes from being an only child and in my case not a loved one,so withdrawing into my shell when I am up against it or ill is my natural defence.
So it is a bumpy ride at the mo, I do feel in free fall and I’m hoping to god the parachute does open.
Thanks for reading x
ESR / CRP Rate 
What is Methotrexate doing for me? Shall I stop it?
High dose Pred side effects 
Newbie needs some advice
