1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

What type of pains and problems are related to prednisone withrawal ?

Posted , 11 users are following.

Flutterbie57
Flutterbie57

I finally got down to 5mgs a few months ago, but then I started getting new pains and problems, which I didn't actually think were related to PMR. After a few weeks of suffering I decided to take 6mg. Within 24 hours all those problems disappeared overnight, so I continued on 6mgs. I had 4 really good weeks, but those problems are all returning again. The new pains affected both arms .... sharp pains radiating from underarm into mid chest (right side) and left shoulder and hand aching worse than I have ever experienced before. I haven't experienced those pains before. All my other problems were consistent with the beginning of PMR problems. This week I am overheating all the time, perspiring madly, but I feel cold and clammy to touch, says husband. Pains are just starting in head again , behind ears. Is this withdrawal symptoms or flare ?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH Flutterbie57

    Posted

    The return of sweats has always been a sure sign of a flare for me, as is wrist pain at the base of my thumbs. I'd be inclined to say a flare - as it ramps up it may make the dose you need increase further too.

    Have you spoken to your doctor?

    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 EileenH

      Posted

      I am in the midst of changing Doctors as mine had a 'hissy fit' as I had gone up 1 mg. She was most unprofessional and actually scarey. I have been away in the city for a few weeks babysitting my Granddogs and went to my previous Doctor of 20 years (I had to change due to shifting), and she was so practical, so confident that I know my own body better than any Doctor. Mentally she was a breath of fresh air, and a relief. I was left insecure about my own decision after previous docs outburst, so I needed to check with people on here. I saw your answer on another post about withdrawal symptoms, so I needed to check. We are in the midst of a cold blustery winter here and my overheating is really out of control and out of character. I did suffer it in the early stages of PMR and a few other bouts when I decrease, but this is over the top.

      Thank you thank you thank you sooooo much Eileen

    • EileenH
      EileenH Flutterbie57

      Posted

      How silly to object to going up 1mg (I'm assuming that isn't a typo!!) . You need what you need - not what a doctor thinks you need! Couldn't you go back and live with the granddogs???

    • irene_88946
      irene_88946 EileenH

      Posted

      I sweat profusely all the time. I think it's caused by the prednisone . just sitting all of a sudden sweat is coming out of my head & dripping down my face. any suggestions to prevent the sweats?

      .

    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 EileenH

      Posted

      No, not a typo... I am enjoying a lazy life with the grandogs but I love my country lifestyle too. It was a wake up call, as I had been putting off making a change of Doctor. Onwards and upwards I hope, and downwards with the pred eventually.

  • anne28129
    anne28129 Flutterbie57

    Posted

    i would say it is a flare up!

    i managed to get down to 3mg but then had a flare up. Had to go back to 10mg but slowly Ive reduced to 5mg.

    I have stayed at 5mg for several months having my blood checked monthly.

    Im hoping to reduce to 4mg next month but am in no hurry!

    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 anne28129

      Posted

      Thanks Anne. I suspect it is a flare, but reality is, I just don't want to believe it either (like the doc).

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

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.