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I've been stuck at 17.5 for a year ...

Posted , 8 users are following.

FLpanhndlKen
FLpanhndlKen

Had a rocky start with PMR in October 2014 with an original effective dose of 20 mg Pred, then fell into the hands of a rheumy who set me on a quick reduction path.  Major Flare! Went back to my PCP ho put me back on 20, no effect, then 40 to "nip it"  Did a reasonable reduction to 30, then 25 then 20 in early 2015; blood tests each step showed markers under control.  After 20 doc recommended 15, but I convinced him that 17.5 would be better, and it's been nearly a year now,  Maybe 3 blood tests, SED and CRP still elevated.  I had another blood test yesterday, cause I see the Doc this week, but I know from my arm and shoulder pain that they're still elevated.  Do we need to go back up to 20?  I hate that. Btw, in the meantime last year, I had a very successful hip replacement,  and undergone radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Hell yeah, getting old is no fun!  This year we need to make sure the cancer is under control, I need two new knees, and I would love to get Past this pain! And I still go to work 5 days a week - for a few hours!  I'm 67, semi- retired.  Suggestions?  Back to 20?

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • noninoni
    noninoni FLpanhndlKen

    Posted

    I hope you will take powerful anti-inflammatory statins.  My PMR went to my lungs making it hard to breathe, and statins have helped a lot even after a short period of time.  Most people tolerate statinss quite well.
  • iellen32
    iellen32 FLpanhndlKen

    Posted

    Those quick Pred reductions and the flare ups immediately after are quite familiar.

    Having GCA there are three years my concern is my sigh when those doc mistakes happen,

    Looking back I realize I had one flare up every year- now I am having the first one im 2016.

    Finally I made the decision to take the tapering in my hands- according to my symptoms and the monthly markers. I observe the recommended diet, exercises.

    I am sorry for all you are going through and I am sure you will get suggestions from people here to whom your health issues are more familiar than they are to me.

    As we exchange our experiences we not only learn but most of all we help each other in a way or other.

    You are not alone.

    Take good care of yourself.

    💐😊

  • constance.de
    constance.de FLpanhndlKen

    Posted

    You really are in trouble, aren't you?

    Sorry I can't help, but having PMR and Polyarthritis I DO understand the pain and distress you are going through.

    You are right about old age - it's no fun!  I read recently 'the only thing that improves with age is a banana'.😄😄

  • EileenH
    EileenH FLpanhndlKen

    Posted

    Is your rheumy really convinced this is PMR? Or more exactly - that ALL the problems are due to PMR? Is it possible you have bursitis or another shoulder problem that is making the PMR pain feel worse? Mind you - you have been through a fair bit of stress in the last year which won't have helped the PMR!

    Though given your obvious problems reducing - why not try 1mg at a time even at this level?

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