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slow reaction to predisolone

Posted , 2 users are following.

mollycoo
mollycoo

Hi,

I have just been diagnosed with PMR, or so my doctor thinks. After blood tests, and typical symptoms, I was put on 15mg predisolone and told there should be a dramatic improvement within a couple of days. After a week I was no better, so my doctor is now doubting the diagnosis. However after a second week there is a gradual improvement, less stiffness and less pain, which is great. Why it has taken more time to react on me I don't know. I'm seeing a rheumatologist in 4 weeks time, so may get more answers then. Has anyone else experienced a slow reaction?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Spammy
    Spammy

    Posted

    HI Molycoo

    I am sure someone else will say the same, but I was put on 20mg to start with which worked wonders for me.

    I wish you well soon

    Spammy

  • EileenH
    EileenH

    Posted

    Hi Mollycoo and Spammy!

    I'm fairly sure the guidelines say that the starting dose should be 15mg but if there is an inadequate response 20mg should be tried. If there is then not a dramatic improvement of 50-70% within a few days then the diagnosis of PMR should be reconsidered but not dismissed until everything else has been ruled out. And I'm sure a couple have people have said their response was slowish at 15mg.

    Mind you - I DID have the dramatic response at 15mg and the rheumatologist decided it wasn't PMR and wanted to give me something else. Luckily I had a GP who had more faith so I did get to continue with steroids and keep my regained life!! :lol: Wouldn't it be nice if they could all sing from the same hymn sheet - even if they used proper music as well as tonic solfa!!!!!

    Do let us know how you get on,

    EileenH

  • lynm
    lynm

    Posted

    Hi Mollycoo, I am in the ' slow working pred group'.

    I was only put on 10mg Pred and it took at least 3 weeks before I could feel any benefit!

    I got a 2nd opinion because I was still far from pain free and this Rheumy said he would have started me at 20mg!

    Anyway that was in 2005/2006 and I'm still on 5mg Pred. 200mg Plaquenil and 15mg MTX.......

    I do hope you feel yourself getting stronger every day. We all have the same disease but our bodies react in so many different ways. I am sorry you have to share this journey. But you will meet some very nice people on here who understand and care!

    sending gentle hugs

    Lyn

  • mollycoo
    mollycoo

    Posted

    [quote:d0567dfc31=\"lynm\"]Hi Mollycoo, I am in the ' slow working pred group'.

    I was only put on 10mg Pred and it took at least 3 weeks before I could feel any benefit!

    I got a 2nd opinion because I was still far from pain free and this Rheumy said he would have started me at 20mg!

    Anyway that was in 2005/2006 and I'm still on 5mg Pred. 200mg Plaquenil and 15mg MTX.......

    I do hope you feel yourself getting stronger every day. We all have the same disease but our bodies react in so many different ways. I am sorry you have to share this journey. But you will meet some very nice people on here who understand and care!

    sending gentle hugs

    Lyn[/quote:d0567dfc31]

  • mollycoo
    mollycoo

    Posted

    Hi Spammy, EileenH and LynM,

    Thank you so much for your replies and your good wishes. I hope you are all as good as you can be today.

    I'm looking forward to hearing what my rheumatologist says next month. I feel in my own mind that this is PMR I have, although the slow reaction to the prednisolone throws some doubt on it apparently. There has been some improvement, but seems to have come to a grinding halt now, but remaining positive. Too early I guess to be experiencing side effects from the pred, except I do have a VERY healthy appetite now!!!

    Always good to hear from you,

    Mollycoo.

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