Message from GP

[Groggrim]

This is from my own GP. I would be interested to know what others more experienced with this might think. 'we have to balance the harm of long term steroids so should keep going with the reduction plan if we can. It's unusual to need this dose with polymyalgia'

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It's unusual to need this dose with polymyalgia

Why dose? If he means 7mg then he has little knowledge of PMR…and as you’ve only been diagnosed and prescribed Pred in August 2024, even less of how to treat it!

But you profile indicates they aren’t sure what you have… I know you say a rheumatologist privately - what was his opinion?

[Groggrim in reply to DorsetLady]

That's what concerns me DL. I don't feel safe with my GP but have to keep him on side. I don't want my prescription requests reduced or refused. I suspect my endo could be singing from the same hymn sheet when I speak to him next week. I'll let you know. GG.

[Excelsior80]

'we have to balance the harm of long term steroids so should keep going with the reduction plan if we can' ... that part sounds fine! 'If we can' being very important to consider..... and if long term steroids do turn out necessary many side effects can be mitigated and may not happen. Im at 4 mg now and would not panic if I had to stay here for a long time....Id definitely be upset if I had to go much higher.... but if I did, thered probably be no other sensible choice so no point worrying. Just about to go out and prepare for vegetables, last year was a gardening washout due to start of PMR.

[Excelsior80 in reply to Excelsior80]

well not an expert myself, but sounds ok to me 🙂

[Indigo2417]

I saw a rheumatologist privately in September 2023 at the start of my PMR. In November last year I saw an NHS one. The important phrase I picked up on from her report to my GP was to reduce to “ the lowest effective dose”. Effective being the important word in my opinion. I was on 6.5mg and knew I’d be having a difficult few months from December because hubby was having an operation on his foot. I expected to be doing a lot more work as a result, so delayed trying to reduce until later. Rheumatologist and GP both accepted that. Haven’t spoken to GP recently and my follow up with the rheumatologist was for 6mths. Meantime, I have just tapered to 6mg and waiting to see how that settles before trying another reduction. The tortoise and the hare story comes to mind.

[Groggrim in reply to Indigo2417]

I totally agree with you about the tortoise and the hare.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Indigo2417]

The tortoise and the hare story comes to mind.

Been quoted on here for time immemorial - well ever since I’ve been here, and that’s 13 years😅😂

[Indigo2417 in reply to DorsetLady]

Not original I know. Maybe it’s a saying worth being repeated. There’s also, Rome wasn’t built in a day. I’ve never been a “racehorse “. More slow and steady, but I get there in the end. 🙂

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Indigo2417]

Best way….and yes we do need reminding that the old sayings usually have a lot of truth behind them.

[Groggrim]

Thank you all for your kind comments this morning, especially 'Rome wasn't built in a day'. Our son will be walking from Canterbury to Rome in aid of Men's Minds Matter. It will help me remember to pace things, as his walk will be at a steady pace for 90 days.

Hope everyone has a good day. GG x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As DL says - it really isn't unusual to need "this dose" with PMR, especially after only 7 months and in your case, 7 months in which you have been rushed to reduce the dose. It makes things harder. And that GP needs to listen to their own comment - "if we can". You can't go at the rate they want - so you can't. It is hardly rocket science!!!!

[Groggrim in reply to PMRpro]

🤗