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How to address PMR pain while decreasing prednisone
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 6, 2023 | Replies (747)Comment receiving replies
I would like to ask a new question, I am down to 4 MG and normally try to go down by 1/2 mg every 3 weeks, however I am feeling slight pain when I bend down and walk up the stairs. Do you wait for most of the pain to go away or do you still drop down on the medication? I do not want to make things worse. I have stayed on the 4MG for 4 weeks now and really want to lower it. At what point do you know it is okay to lower the medication? Are you asking for trouble if you lower it if you are still feeling some pain/stiffness on the current level you are at or do you wait? I just do not want to do it too soon. Any suggestions? thanks!!
Replies to "I would like to ask a new question, I am down to 4 MG and normally..."
I tapered to 4.5mg. but after 2 weeks have had to go back to 7.5 because of increasing pain during the night in my legs. I am being active. walking each morning, so hoping to start tapering again soon. My doctor does not really advise on prednisone amount. I think this may be because we are all different. I know the difference between discomfit and pain - can tolerate quite a lot of discomfit. However, it becomes a problem for me when it really interferes with my mobility. Being stressed by this can also initiate a flare up. I want to try o get into best mobile condition for trip to beach in November.
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@ambershe you are doing great. Like @kdmorris says everyone responds a little different to tapering off of prednisone. My first occurrence of PMR took 3 years to taper off. The last six months was going back and forth between 1 mg and 1/2 mg until I could stop taking it and only have a little pain and stiffness. I was tapering on a weekly basis. If it were me I would try going down 1/2 mg for 3 days to see how the pain level is. I think it helps to keep a tapering log for future reference. Good luck and don't give up!!