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Feelings when tapering: My journey

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 13 10:21am | Replies (57)
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@joan7

I started the Prednisone at 60 mg in August, 2023 and still weaning to date. I have an appointment July 30th with my regular Rheumatologist. This Friday I have an appointment with my Rheumatologist at UPenn., Perelman Center.

This was my tapering process:

August 2023 - 60 mg
September - 40 mg
October - 30 mg
November - 25 mg
December - 20 mg
January - 15 mg
February - 10 mg
March - 7.5 mg
April - 5 mg
May - 4 mg
June - 3 mg
July - 3 mg every other day with 2 mg in between
August - Rheumatologist may take me down to 2 mg

So if my cortisol level returns to normal, than I may be able to stay off all medications for PMR?

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Replies to "I started the Prednisone at 60 mg in August, 2023 and still weaning to date. I..."
megz | @megz | Jul 10 1:16am

You're doing great, Joan. That's an impressive reduction schedule. May things keep going well for you, fingers crossed.

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DadCue | @dadcue | Jul 10 7:13am

I agree with Metz ... that is impressive. Prednisone withdrawal symptoms are caused by "insufficient cortisol."

It just occurred to me that insufficient cortisol describes the problem better than "adrenal insufficiency." An actual problem with the adrenal glands doesn't happen very often.

"To help prevent prednisone withdrawal, a person can take the following precautions while using prednisone and during the taper period afterward:
1) stick to the recommended dosage and not take more than the doctor prescribes
2) taper the dose according to the doctor’s instructions
3) avoid suddenly stopping prednisone treatment

When a person first starts decreasing the amount of prednisone, they may experience aching or tiredness. This is common. However, they should contact a doctor if these symptoms do not resolve over 7 days."
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322536
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Maybe if more people followed the above guidelines, they would have the success that you are having.

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