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← Return to Decreasing Prednisone
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 18 hours ago | Replies (24)
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I followed my rheumatologist's recommendations regarding my taper. I figure he has a lot of experience working with GCA and PMR patients, and his plan has worked out well for me. He was a little conservative with my taper, but that was because I had serious vision problems when I was first diagnosed. I haven't had any pain, flares, or adrenal problems since I started treatment a year ago.
But it depends on the doctor. If the doctor is in too big a hurry to get you off prednisone, that can cause problems for the patient.
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"If the doctor is in too big a hurry to get you off prednisone, that can cause problems for the patient."
My doctor always wanted me off Prednisone as soon as possible. Being "encouraged" to taper off quickly is different from saying taper off Prednisone now --- come hell or high water. My doctors were concerned about my long term side effects from Prednisone.
My doctor waited 12 years for me to taper off Prednisone while making sure I wouldn't run out of Prednisone. I could have never tapered off without their help. There are people on the internet who "encouraged" me to take more Prednisone for "niggles of pain" because they were sure it was PMR without ever seeing me or ordering any labs or other tests. I guess they had some kind of crystal ball.