reducing steroids
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I have seen my consultant today and he has advised me to reduce prednisolone to 2.5mg from 5mg. I have been on 5mg for 4 months having reduced from 20 mg over 9 months.I questioned him regarding reducing the dose taken by half but he said this was perfectly ok.Has anyone made this reduction and was it without problems?
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Take it easy
Ragnar
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It would generally appear that most rheumatologist's suggest 1mg drops when reducing from 5 and then to stay on that dose for 2-3 months. However, it didn't work for me even when trying to reduce that way. So I am now one of the devotees to Ragnar's regime, having successfully reduced from 5 to 4 via 4.5 and slowly tapering the reduction over 4-5 weeks, then staying on the final reduced dose for a couple of months. Although a little discomfort reappeared, it did not manifest itself in increased inflammation markers in the blood tests which was a first for me.
Like you, I also had an appointment with my rheumatologist today and when giving me a further appointment in 5 months time he added that perhaps I would be off Prednisolone by then........I have all my fingers and toes crossed!
Perhaps you could check on the Guidelines suggested in previous posts by Mrs K of the PMR Fighters Group in the North East, and then seek further advice from your GP before taking on this large reduction. Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
RAGNAR - Hello again. Have your ears been burning as I am always referring to your wonderful advice? If I manage to be as successful as you on your suggested regime, I also will be over PMR and GCA in the same timescale as you. Just one question: did you find that you still suffered from some degree of leg stiffness/discomfort whilst continuing to reduce below 5 or did that completely disappear? I remember you saying that you came to London in December just after coming off steroids and you had a little problem with climbing steps.
It's so wonderful to hear that you are keeping well 9 months down the line - well done. Also, it's wonderful that you find the time to still visit this site and give your valuable advice even though you have recovered - a fantastic boost to all of us - thank you.
Wonder how Davblo's (also in your homeland) getting on.
MrsO
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My problem - and I still have it - is that I get tired from physical exercise like walking far and especially when going upstairs or uphill. We are taking care of a Golden retriever quite often, and he helps me to get out despite this. We live on a hilly place and have to start walking uphill.
When I get up from a chair, I feel a bit stiff, but as I am 72 it could also be from age, I suppose. Once I am up I don´t really feel it.
So glad \"my regime\" has helped you.
Ragnar
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MrsO
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