Posted , 19 users are following.
When one reduces the dosage of prednisone, is there normally a slight increase in pain, stiffness, etc. that one just puts up with that eventually levels out? I am wondering if such an increase is something to deal with or is it a sign that the decrease was inappropriate or premature.
0 likes, 28 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
Anhaga gilman
Posted
Do you feel the discomfort right after the reduction, and then find it eases as the taper continues? That is most likely pred withdrawal and is worth waiting out. If the pain starts to increase after a few days it's likely to be PMR and the taper should stop and dose go back to where you felt good. Some of us put up with minor PMR discomfort in the interests of reducing pred dose, but it's not a good idea to allow that minor sensation to increase. That's one reason we are told that a 70% reduction in pain is acceptable, I believe. I had 100% reduction at the beginning. If I still wanted that no doubt my current dose would be much higher. Most of my current pain is caused by osteoarthritis issues. I'd say even at 3 mg PMR pain is 90% controlled, but I do get pred withdrawal. At this level also have to make sure adrenals are up to snuff! If it's not one thing, it's another....
gilman Anhaga
Posted
Anhaga gilman
Posted
Sounds like you did the right thing. When I was first starting to taper that happened to me when I reduced from 10 to 9, and it was then I discovered this site and the DSNS method, which I've been using since.
margaret22251 Anhaga
Posted
At the moment iam at 5.5 reducing to 5 and have felt awful the first few days, temple pain, and scalp pain, fingers and wrists.
Had to have a ultrascan on wednesday, and got letter to see doc on monday so will see what they have found.
But, i do agree with you regrading ignoring some pain and not others.
Mags
ptolemy gilman
Posted
As Anhaga says in the first day or two the body complains that it is missing its steroid dose, but then things sort themselves out. Some people seem to be able to make much larger reductions than others. Some reduce one day then go back to the old dose the next and alternate. It is a matter of trial and error unfortunately, but you do get better at managing it as time goes by normally. If the pain continues though don't try and put up with it hoping it will go away, as the PMR will raise its ugly head and take over again, which is bad news.
jo42444 gilman
Posted
reggie92967 jo42444
Posted
I am soon glad you brought up fatigue. Something I battle almost every other day or more, no matter how much sleep I get. Like you said fatigue is not sleep deprivation, it's an animal of it's own & can be so debilitating. My docs. have very slowly reduced me to 10mg. from averaging 20mg.. Minor stiffness, body pain, soreness has returned, but not real bad. It's the fatigue that is so terrible. My good days I know I over do it & pay even more so the next day or two.
jo42444 reggie92967
Posted
Regards Joanne
denisep911 jo42444
Posted
The fatigue is so debilitating. I can say that today is the 1st day I didn't have to take a 3 hr nap I always think I won't get out of it but we do
2 steps forward and 1 step backward. ??
gillian82551 gilman
Posted
jo42444 gillian82551
Posted
Anhaga gillian82551
Posted
My doctor downplays the blood tests almost too much and believes in treating the symptoms.
constance.de gillian82551
Posted
Wow!! I have had pain every day for the five years I've had PMR. I wonder what your doctor would say to that? We live and learn!??
ptolemy gillian82551
Posted
barbara75814 gilman
Posted
Hi, Gilman--
Answers to this will probably vary.
However, in my case, yes, my reductions were always accompanied by some mild discomfort for several days, after which the discomfort would disappear. I did nothing about it except wait it out each time. I didn't think the reductions were "something to deal with" or a sign that they were "inappropriate or premature."
Others, I know, are inclined to make more of a big deal about this, and that's fine, since "each one to his own." (I forget the French words!)
Best wishes, Barbara Y.
linfran barbara75814
Posted