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Do not want to take steroids.
I was just diagnosed today and I am considering not taking any steroids. Their side effects out way the pain. Initially I saw a physical therapist and the exercises helped and those type of exercises also help with our diagnosis. The pain is worse in the morning but as the day goes on the pain dissipates. I appreciate any feedback and your thoughts.
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Have you discussed the dosage they want to start you with and the length of time you might be in steroids. One doctor wanted to stat me on 40mg - that was unacceptable to me. I landed with a doctor who was willing to work with me even if I did not take oral steroids. Following a bout with Covid I took 10mg /day and then had to titrate down from there. It took 6 months. I do not regret it because the pain went way up following Covid. The decision is yours and wanting to avoid steroids is understandable. Making the best decision is going to be based on getting the facts and making a totally informed decision and not a hearsay emotional decision. Or, if it is an emotional decision, just admit it and move on.
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3 ReactionsI totally understand you not wanting to take steroids. I never even take a pill for a headache as I am reminded how animals suffer during testing. I have of course taken the necessary drugs for two weeks after each joint replacement as it was necessary. I will never forget the pain I was in for 3 weeks before finding it was PMR and steroids were the best option. As my lifestyle is an active one, healthy eater, non drinker or smoker I was assured steroids would allow me to get back to normal. I did read about people trying other methods and ending up on steroids in the end. I started in May this year, had a problem when dose was dropped from 12.5 -10mg but that was a massive learning curve. Found this forum which really helps as I get no help from Dr here in the UK. Read as much as you can about inflammation and how to stop it. I am on 6mg next week. Did a big physical challenge last week, 700 metre swim, 700 metre SkiErg, 7 minutes Airbike, 700 metre row, 7k spin bike, 70 floors stairmaster and 7k curved treadmill. No flare up after just normal aches and pains. Pretty sure I would not have been able to still be this active without Pred. Because I am ticking all the boxes this should be over after a year of steroids. If once I have stopped and a flare starts up then I will try a 1mg for a couple of weeks and this is from an animal loving vegan woman. All these months later I still wince when I take the drugs in the morning but they work and mean I have my life back.