Reduction of steroids help
Posted , 12 users are following.
I am delighted to say that after months of pain I am now back to 15mg of steriods and 80% pain free again. I have been up to 25mg but am now back to 15mg and comfortable. I am walking well and even managed a visit to the gym today so all good.
I wanted to thank you all for the support you gave me a couple of months ago and ask for your help again. I do need to start reducing because of Osteoporosis so wanted to know what the plan should be to get back to 10mg. I know the very slow method from there but wondered what I should do over the next few months to get to 10. Can I jump straight to 13.5mg (less 10% see I am learning) or do I have to work towards that. Once I get to 13.5 how long do I stay there until I can reduce again and is the next step 12mg then 11mg and then 10mg?
An idea of how I can reduce before I see my Rhuemy in December would be good.
Thank you
0 likes, 9 replies
BettyE elizabeth40672
Posted
I think that the short answer is that you must listen to your body and if, following a reduction the pain returns and persists, it is probably saying, Hang on, not so fast. Many of us have found that there are glitches at around ten mgs. but there are so many variations. You could try the 10% reduction but nothing is set in stone. Wish you the best of luck. Remember, it's not a competition as has been said many times before.
Anhaga elizabeth40672
Posted
You can continue to taper as long as symptoms remain under control. You can use the DSNS method to reduce even at higher doses. You still get to each lower level within a month or so, just as you would if you were doing an overnight drop and staying there for a few weeks to get over the withdrawal symptoms and make sure it was still holding the disease at bay.
I know you are anxious to get down asap but you've already had problems. Remember "It isn't slow if it works" and a slow taper will result in fewer chances to flare and a lower total intake of pred.
EileenH elizabeth40672
Posted
Do you really have osteoporosis? If so - reducing pred is not the only answer. And if the PMR is still active, reducing the dose too far will just result in a flare.
And the DNS approach can be used at any dose, not just below 10mg. If you need it, you need it. Just like if you need a particular dose of pred, that is what you need and all that happens if you try to force things lower is a return to the start.
elizabeth40672 EileenH
Posted
The last report from a second DEXA scan says that I have now have a significant increase in my osteoperosis and ended up on Alendronic Acid...
I will reduce pred slowly over the next month and see how I go.
EileenH elizabeth40672
Posted
The AA is to compensate for the effect of the pred - so you don't need to get off it purely for that reason. If you stop pred before the PMR has gone into remission then all that will happen is you will be immobile because of pain - and that is also a major risk factor for osteoporosis. It isn't as simple as saying "Pred bad, no pred good".
elizabeth40672 EileenH
Posted
Thanks Eileen! You are right, I was not able to do anything whilst in so much pain so surely now I am mobile again I can do all the things that are good for Osteoporosis. I will take it easy, listen to my body.
diana21296 elizabeth40672
Posted
I could only reduce half mg a month from 15 downwards. It was slow but very successful with no flares. I go on my symptoms and manage the steroids myself. My 2 monthly bloods are normal thanks to pred.
sophiesu20099 diana21296
Posted
where are you now, I have gone down to 10mg. but 7. 5 feels ghe next step
is right, did you go 14.5, and how are you feeling....
EileenH sophiesu20099
Posted
Below 10mg any reduction should never be more than 1mg at a time - still above the 10% so some people may struggle and 1/2mg steps or the use of one of the slow tapers is advisable.