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Tapering Off

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david64576
david64576

I was reading a discussion from a couple of years ago re tapering down.and one that I probable should have applied to myself. My inflammation, which is measured by: Erythrocyte Sediment Rate was in February 24mm when on 3mg of Prednislone. I had no feelings of  pain or stiffness, this only occurred on reducing to 1mg. Since finishing it I had a blood test  on the 5th  of June and the level has increased to 27mm. So in theory I should re introduce the Pred to 3mg and then apply a much slow taper

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH david64576

    Posted

    Have you symptoms? ESR is so non-specific that it could be all sorts of things causing your ESR reading. And the difference between 24 and 27 is minimal. Keep having checks and see if the trend is really rising.
    • david64576
      david64576 EileenH

      Posted

      I do have symptons: stiffening neck, but doing stretching excersise, pain in muscles on both upper arms, but only on certain movements and a pain in groin area but only when lifting my leg up. Problems seem worse on my right side of body. Otherwise okay
    • EileenH
      EileenH david64576

      Posted

      Then I would definitely consider re-starting pred before it gets worse. BUT it is possible it isn't PMR directly but myofascial pain syndrome which affects your right side more than your left. However - the myofascial pain syndrome starting up is a sure sign of a flare for me. Usually if I sort the MPS, I don't need to raise the oral pred as much. I use massage/manual mobilisation of the trigger spots and Bowen therapy also helped me a lot.

    • david64576
      david64576 EileenH

      Posted

      I have booked to go and see a Bowen practitioner, so will see what happens. Thankyou for your advice
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