Been stupid

[Body_bonkers]

Asked rheumatology department for help last October as felt I had not fully treated flare at 6mg last May (see previous post). Spoke to nurse who said to stay on 7mg dose. Had telephone consultation with rheumatologist end of December who told me to reduce as in negligeable pain but needed to see me in clinic. Unfortunately I saw a new rheumatologist six weeks ago who just said I needed to add methotextrate as been on steroids over two years. More bloods were taken and still awaiting another appointment. In the meantine I haven’t actually reduced my dose further as picked up a bug from hospital and been under unavoidable stress. About a month ago and 5 months on 7mg, I started getting niggling pain but as it wasn’t exactly the same as before so I assumed it might be adrenal related. I had a hysteroscopy and polyp removed under an epidural on Monday and despite the paracetamol and codine, I’m now in agony and can barely move in the morning. There is no pelvic pain- it’s my chest, hips, shoulders, hand and foot being mix of costochondritis, PMR and touch of ostearthritis.

I feel like doubling my steroids to 15mg for up to a fortnight then if better, start dropping slowly again from 10mg but any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

[piglette]

It does seem that the shock on your body has caused the problems, so it may not be a bad idea to increase the dose for a week or two. Perhaps doubling may be a bit much, but you can always reduce a bit if things improve. I hope you feel better soon.

[Body_bonkers in reply to piglette]

Thanks Piglette

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Might be worth trying the flare protocol [see link]… nothing to lose. If it works good, if it doesn’t then you’ll need to rethink -

.healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Body_bonkers in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL - suspect I’ve left it too late but can only try

[piglette in reply to Body_bonkers]

It is never too late!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would just try the flare protocol first - though of course the increased dose can be ANYTHING for up to 2 weeks and drop back!

I wouldn't be happy about adding MTX when you are already down to 7mg - 2 years to that is not bad at all. Whatever he may think,

[Body_bonkers in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro - I feel the same about MTX