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How do you know how much and when to raise prednisone level when you have signs of a flare up?

Posted , 10 users are following.

barb30898
barb30898

Hi Everyone,

Been on prednisone for 2 years, 2 months, (but who' s counting?) with one major flare, 

i have been on 2 mg's for at least 2 months, and have not reduced, due to midsection discomfort, which I'm guessing isn't related, but, I'm not sure.

in the last 4 days, I've been feeling shoulder and arm ache and fatigue, both sides, which I recognize as a previous symptom of possible flare.

in the past, I've gone up as high as 5 mg, which seems to take away the pains, but I often wonder if a 10 mg shot, or one week pred pkg. , from the doc, while continuing with the 2 mg., might do the trick, and allow me not to have to taper down, again to 2 mg, over, possibly as long as 6 months. 

Has anyone tried anything like this, or some other way to avoid the long taper, again?

Also, how does one determine amount to taper, other than by trial and error?

So many questions.

I truly don't know what I would do, without this group.

Thanks,

Barb

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • julia85224
    julia85224 barb30898

    Posted

    Hi,

    I am a very new pmr, and was going to ask a similar question.

    This week is my second attempt if reducing steroids from 15mg to 12.5, four days in I feel like I have been hit by a truck, very

    shakey and tearful.

    What's the matter with me, is this usual with reducing and does this last long.

    Apologies for moaning, still in denial.

    Julia

    • barb30898
      barb30898 julia85224

      Posted

      Julia,

      Luckily, you have found your way to this site, relatively early.

      After  2 years, I am still struggling for control, but without those who have experienced similar setbacks, and responded to my naive and frustrated questions, I would be still feeling, much like you do, at this time.

      listen to "the experts" ( I'm not one of them)and learn to adjust to a new way of handling the way you deal with life in your new body.

      For me, it's an ongoing, learning experience.....of trial & error.

      Wishing you well.

      barb

       

    • julia85224
      julia85224 barb30898

      Posted

      Thank you,

      The support and advise I have received is amazing.

      Working on acceptance, I sure it will come.

      Hope you are well.

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