Tapering after increase in crp and esr

[Buchanan16]

Following on from my last post my mums wound in her leg is continuing to heal well although still being dressed by nurse twice a week.As for her steroids we are now in week 3 of 8mg after reducing 12 - 10 for 2 weeks then 10-8.

I had been thinking of starting next reduction this coming weekend to 7.5 or 7mg but we have just had her latest bloods back and they haven't reduced any. After her fall ESR went from 34 - 26 -24 to 22 now( her usual has been no higher than 9) and her CRP went from 15- 8 - 7 and now back to 8( usually 3).

As I mentioned before doctors say these are normal and I get for some people that may be the case but for majority of my mums journey hers has been lower.

My question is really do I continue my slow taper to say 7.5 or do I stay at 8 for another couple of weeks.

My mum in herself is pretty good just now and looking well.

Thank you all for your continuing support.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’d keep her at 8mg for another week so, give her adrenals a chance to start thinking about working again - and then a reduction to 7.5mg…and from now on, stick with the 0.5mg steps down.

Best of luck to her.

[Buchanan16 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you that's what I thought i just really wanted advice from you lovely people x

[piglette in reply to Buchanan16]

Also make really sure she feels A1 OK before she tries to reduce each time, as her adrenals may start to gripe a bit now too.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I wonder if the not-yet-healed wound is contributing - there will be some inflammation there for the tissues to heal. And the adrenals are still having to cope with that. I'd be in no hurry.

[Buchanan16 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you will stick at 8 for now.We have app with rheumatologist on 25th March which will be interesting as we were at 8mg on our last visit so she certainly won't be happy that we are still there despite fact lot has happened over these months which meant we had to increase again. I feel my mum is doing well and am ready to fight her corner for her

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Buchanan16]

At her age and if she is well as a result there should be no corner to fight ...

[Buchanan16 in reply to PMRpro]

Absolutely 💯.