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how quick does a flare come is it sudden

Posted , 4 users are following.

pauline36422
pauline36422

hi   couldnt get into the forum for some reason.  this just a question when we lower our pred. and a flare occurs  is it sudden or does it take weeks, i am down to 2 mg. wirh still some pain in my buttocks. so because of this  should i still lower the pred , i lower  quarter  every 9 days.  i seem to think  because i dont have any other pain  its on its way out  and wont  rush back

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Mrs.Mac-Canada
    Mrs.Mac-Canada pauline36422

    Posted

    Hi Pauline,

    I'm sure you'll hear from the experts but I was down to 2 mg and doing well then  had a stressful week and a pretty scary flare  I ended up going back up to 5mg which was really discouraging.  1/4 reduction at a time sounds really reasonable but you might just need to leave it at 2mg and see if the symptoms go away.  I know pred withdrawl symptoms are much the same as PMR so time may be what is needed here. LIke I said, you'll hear from the pros on this forum but this was my experience  I am currently on 4mg and although we're "managing" our symptoms can't help but think about being at 0mg so will continue working my way slowly down

    Best of luck, sounds like you've been doing great so far.

    • pauline36422
      pauline36422 Mrs.Mac-Canada

      Posted

      yes i think i should stay on 2  mg   for a while   just to make sure it  isnt coming  back   thanks for your reply
  • EileenH
    EileenH pauline36422

    Posted

    Usually you find that steroid withdrawal pain will start straight away - it is your body protesting at not getting its usual "fix".If the dose is too low to control the PMR symptoms then it can take a few days - or even a few weeks to reappear. If the dose is only just too low it will take longer for the inflammation to get enough to cause symptoms than if it is a lot too low.

    Although you are only reducing by 1/4mg at a time, at this level it is still 12% of your current dose - and rising as you go down. I think you would be better sticking at each dose for a month before trying the next 1/4mg. 2mg is a VERY low dose and is not going to be causing much in the way of side effects - going even slower now may be the difference between success and failure. It is amazing how many patients find that they are fine at 1mg - but when they try to stop they have a flare. 

    • EileenH
      EileenH

      Posted

      PS - the forum is being slow and having a paddy now and again, it isn't just you! They are probably working on it.
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