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I started methotrexate in Dec 2024 because I couldn't get below 40 mg pred. I stayed on that regimen until my CRP returned to normal (took about 4 months), Once that was achieved, my rheum started me on a taper. I got down to 20 mg, and my CRP rose to a little above normal, but I felt ok so rheum said to continue taper. I went down to 17.5 for 2 weeks, then down to 15, and then my pain and stiffness started again, and CRP was even higher. So I'm currently back on 17.5 mg (still on methotrexate), feeling a little better but not as much as before the taper. I guess I'll just stay at 17.5 until my next bloodwork then I guess we'll have a better idea of what to do going forward. I really like reading the different tapering regimens and seeing what works for others. It emphasizes just how different this is for everybody and to just do what works for you in the moment. Good luck to all, wishing you recovery
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"I'll just stay at 17.5 until my next bloodwork then I guess we'll have a better idea of what to do going forward."
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You can't rely too much on bloodwork to get a better idea about what to do. I pity the people who have normal inflammation markers and nothing that explains their symptoms. I can see how they would get dismissed without anything that explained their symptoms.
I was the opposite and fortunate in a way. My inflammation markers were always elevated and never were within the "normal range." My symptoms didn't always correlate with my inflammation markers. My rheumatologist would ask me if I was sure that my symptoms were controlled when I denied having any pain. She said my inflammation markers were still elevated on 25 mg of Prednisone and she was somewhat incredulous that I denied having pain. She suggested that I take more prednisone in spite of not having pain.
I used to say bizarre things like how I felt "more normal" when I took prednisone. My rheumatoloist said if I were normal, I wouldn't need to take prednisone. I had to admit that she made a good point.