Taper Postponed

[Gc2596]

The anticipation of putting DLs 5 week tapering plan into action today (from 9mg to 8mg) has been shelved. 12 days ago I suffered a heavy fall whilst out walking. I failed to negotiate some tricky terrain and crash! Having my dog on lead didn't help, but these things happen. As a result grazed forehead and bloody knee. Arm has spectacular bruising nearly the full length. Feel lucky not to have fractured. Ribs particularly hurt and may well have cracked but of course nothing to be done except pain relief. In addition last week I stupidly tried to contort my neck in awkward positions in an attempt to clean some windows. That evening my neck very uncomfortable. It has eased but I'm wondering if my PMR aggravated by either incident (when not been on sufficient Pred shows across shoulders and neck areas). Although I'm undecided if it feels the same 🙄. Disappointed but think I'd be very unwise to instigate a taper now, all being well will see how I feel next week. Having just been down from 10mg to 9mg, slightly under 4 weeks, and feeling very well, trying not to take it too much to heart. Perhaps I'm learning to be patient! Composing this post whilst sat nice and upright having taken my 3rd Alendronic Acid dose! Looking forward to attending my first Yorkshire Support Group meeting on Wednesday.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

ouch .. and definitely no tapering for a while -don’t worry it’s very patient and will wait for you to be at the right time😊

Just make sure recent events don’t trigger a flare though -and if that happens then don’t let it get away from you - see this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Gc2596 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes, I'm very conscious of a possible flare and had previously read the link you provided in anticipation of tapering. Thank you.

[Excelsior80]

I hope you feel better soon. Third AA dose already! How's it going with that? Hopefully adding protection?

[Gc2596]

Thank you. AA going ok, and seem to be tolerating so far but early days. A bit burpy just after taking last Monday but alright today. By the time I've taken it, sat/stood for 35mins (set timer on cooker), then on to Omeprazole, followed by breakfast and afters is my Pred then nearly lunchtime 🤣 I suppose I won't know until further Dexa in 3 years if making a difference but hopefully a positive outcome. Unfortunately, I just tuned in half way through Dr Sarah (on Jeremy Vine's radio 2 programme) and the subject was Osteoporosis. Being on steroids appears to have been mentioned and she was discussing Bisphosphonates. Someone rang in who was on AA. Dr S was definitely very much in favour. Everyone makes a decision, eventually in my case, and hope it's the correct one. Off to the Osteopath later to see if he can ease neck.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Gc2596]

You could could probably catch it again on this if you wanted -

bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0029hyn

[Gc2596 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you and just listened fully. Mainly about osteoporosis in pregnancy, and I'm not 🤣. However, bisphosphonates were discussed and that being on steroids a contributing factor.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gc2596]

It isn't just about change in bone density though - it is also about stability of the scaffolding structure of bone which in some ways is even more important and which pred affects - and bisphosphonates stabilse very quickly.

[Gc2596 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I've learnt so much from your good selves and trip off 'trabecular structure' myself now! Together with your information/advice and that of others, my GPs and Osteopath I started taking Alendronic Acid 4 weeks ago after much deliberation. Getting into the Monday morning routine now!

[Grammy80]

So sorry....I think you are making the right decision. Take is slow and easy...tapering and trudging!!💞

[Gc2596 in reply to Grammy80]

Will do. We live in hope!

[Grammy80 in reply to Gc2596]

Indeed we do..!!💞