Help with tapering

Hi Barbara I too am trying to get off pred totally by April my doc says 2 for a month then1 for 2 months we will see .I have been on pred for 2

Sorry I was called away 2years in April but a bit painful in hands at this time .Will keep trying good luck with yours

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MrsO has said the same as I was going to say for dealing with that last 1/2mg.

Several people have said that it took them a year before they felt "normal" - but you cannot expect to feel as you were pre-PMR because you are however much older than you were then and have also had that length of time unable to exercise properly. Things will improve as time goes on though as long as you don't try to rush it.

MrsO also mentioned nordic walking - several ladies in the northeast of England went along to classes on offer a few years ago. When they went some of them felt very unstable when walking, one even used a zimmer! After a month their balance was much better and after 6 months they were confidently walking distances without sticks. The nordic walking poles help you improve your balance - you aren't using them to lean on while walking, it is a very different technique and classes are to be recommended.

Hi Barb,

I will let somone with more experience with the reduction in prednisone dosage give you advice on that subject, but it sounds like you have done a good job.

With regard to your fatigue and lack of motivation I have some insite. I will be 75 in two months so I am in your age bracket. I do not have lymphoma or sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis in its later stages will tend to restrict the movement of  air in/out of the lungs. That obviously can impede your ability to move about quickly. I do not know what the status of your lymphoma is.

Without even having those two issues, having PMR for a year or two will slow you down. I have been an exerciser all my life but go through the Yin/Yank struggle of do I exercise today or not. It is so much easier not to exercise. But there are things I like to do that are done better if I have some degree of fitness. If you have been a way from exercising for months it take several months to build up stamina. Muscles atrophy with lack of use. With lack of exercise to maintain their  strength you can lose 3% of your muscle mass every year. In 10 years that is 30%. You can get it back by doing serious  exercise, but there needs to be motivation. Misery loves company so it can help a lot if you find a friend or two to go walking with or do some exercising. Weights can be something as simple as a soup can. Hills and stairs are good obstacles BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOUR BREATHING STAYS AT A COMFORTABLE LEVEL. Muscle strength and mobility are very important as we get older.

Charlie44644

 

1/2 mg sounds like winning the "Pools" as you say. I can't imagine it. But I have only been on pred for 8 months. I'm a beginner and at 84 I may be on for rest of my life. I'm replying to you in regard to "walking a straight line" comment which has no come up in my readings here. I find somewhat the same effect plus little incidents of catching an off balance condition by having to put one foot out quickly. Although up in age I play an enthusiastic game of tennis doubles as much as four times a week and have only been bothered a few times with balance after being away from the game for  a month or so. I'm fortunate to be able to continue with the help of Pred which is giving the other problems including strange taste in the mouth which I have not asked about. 

I can't rely on doctors either. They won't admit there are any other sources of information much less refer one to them. Best of luck 

Paul

glad you asked this barb its a question i was going to ask     thanks

Barbara I have followed Eileens tapering advice and it has been wonderful for me it is sensible when you think about it. Do as your symptoms tell you to keep comfortable. Good luck