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Anyone have discomfort or pain when tapering off prednisone?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
I wrote to my rheumatologist about taking a water pill. She totally ignored the question but told me to taper down from 7.5 mg to 5mg on alternating days. I still have considerable pain, especially in my back and hips. When I was on 10 mg my back pain was gone. Now it hurts all the time. She told me to take 1 500mg Tylenol once a day. I take 2 Tylenol arthritis pills at least once a day and they don't touch my pain. I know I need to get off prednisone but it seems like I will be in for even more pain on her new schedule. I have dry eye syndrome which I use an eye ointment for nightly. I feel like I hurt from my eyeballs to my knees! I can't stand or walk for any length of time. How do people deal with the pain and depression that comes with it?
Replies to "I wrote to my rheumatologist about taking a water pill. She totally ignored the question but..."
Thank you! I have already gained the weight!
Has anybody used dexamethason? I have stopped prednisone and doctor switched me to 2 mg once a day. I feel better but interested in any comments or info. Think I can taper off this in couple weeks. Thanks
I haven't heard of dexamethason but I will google it. I know I have to get off prednisone because of my osteoporosis. I think my dr doesn't really care that I'm in pain. I will still keep taking my Tylenol arthritis and using a heating pad.
It still sounds promising since you were able to wean off it quicker. Not sure how long you took it though.
Hello @besmith57, I combined your discussion with an existing discussion titled, "Anyone have discomfort or pain when tapering off prednisone?" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/discomfort-or-pain-when-tapering/.
I did this so you could read other members' experiences with pain after tapering off prednisone and how they coped. @monami, @milld835, @tillysam, have all shared their experiences and I invite them back to this conversation to share any updates with you.
I think you may want to consider tapering more slowly. My dad was at the exact same spot (7.5 mg) and from then on, he had to significantly slow the taper down. We decided it’s one thing to want to get off the prednisone but not at the expense of quality of life. The lower you go, the more you need to slow the taper (or at least that’s how some look at it) because you’re dropping by a greater proportion of the original dosage if you keep the increments the same.
I have chronic pain as well (it’s my dad who has PMR) and the pain and depression is real. Sounds easier said than done but we do what we can to manage the pain as best as possible but then also try to take time for ourselves and find moments of peace or joy… I also have a therapist I talk to who specializes in chronic pain. Wishing you all the best.
I had my blood work done yesterday. Some markers are still off. My doctor is going to put me on Kevzara after being approved. The kevzara scares me My dr. called me yesterday to tell me because I have diverticulosis I could have digestive or bowel issues. I have never had any symptoms of diverticulosis. Has anyone had an issue with this drug? I also take 12 mg methotrexate. I love this site for its information.
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They keep taking the prednisone. PMR is real . So is the PMR induced from prednisone. Life does get better if you can get your body to restart cortisol. PMR is a perfect fit for steroids. Its the only drug that works. Just the prednisone increases blood sugar, increases cholesterol, raises BP, causes eye issues, causes or contributes to gastro issues, gain weight, causes moon face and fatty neck, and you never feel like the same old you without it. Good luck.