Medication for Vasculitis

[oscar294]

Hi. I have had Vasculitis for four years and my current medication is Prednisolone 5.5 mg daily and Methotextrate Injection 25mg weekly.

Following the onset of my illness I now have to use a wheeled walker to get around and can no longer drive a motor vehicle.

[Mooka]

Welcome to the forum oscar294.

[oscar294 in reply to Mooka]

Thank you Mooka

[oldtimer2]

I use a wheeled walker too and it's marvellous for getting me around. My upper body strength is still not too bad so I can lift it in and out of the boot of the car. Mine has a seat and also converts into a wheelchair for going to the theatre (and for longer excursions although my partner doesn't like pushing me...).

I assume that your prednislone is at a maintainance level is it? Is the combination with methotrexate controlling the vasculitis? How long have you been on treatment?

I'm supposed to be tailing my presnisolone dose (15mg now) down currently - but my white blood cells have shot up since the last decrease, and I'm awaiting further further advice

[oscar294 in reply to oldtimer2]

I have been on Predisolone & Methotextrate for over three years. I was initially taking a dose 30mg of prednisolone and my specialist introduced a 25mg of methotrexate injection to initiate a tapering of the prednisolone. I have a monthly full blood test to monitor my CPR, ESR & HG levels and adjust my prednisolone to maintain an acceptable level of the blood test markers.

My current levels are: CPR 23, ESR 15, Hg 120.

Im 80 years old.

[oldtimer2 in reply to oscar294]

I'm just a bit older (nearly 83), but I'm glad to say that the last couple of weeks have started improving generally - my kidney function especially, and the neutrophils have gone down to almost normal levels.

So I'm reducing the prednisolone now. Down to 13mg currently and looking to reduce more.

I just love the way the consultant suggests "Something in the region of 1mg to 2.5mg every two to four weeks depending on the blood results and how you feel..." He's right, though, I'm the only person that can judge this, unless it would be possible to see him every week with the blood results. As I've been doing it for a long time, I should feel more confident!