Off of prednisone, but relying on Tylenol for comfort.

Posted by noti @noti, Nov 12 10:21am

I’ve been off of prednisone for three months.
I’ve been taking extra strength Tylenol three times a day since then. I seem to be able to stretch out my time between doses more than when I started and feel better in general. My worst days are usually caused by exercise, but exercise is also what’s helping me improve.
My main side effect is occasional Gerd. I have days when I don’t need to take Tums and more days when I do.

I am wondering how other people have managed this stage of recovery? How long has it taken you to get off of Tylenol? Or is that something I just have to work with long-term? I am 71 and my knees are becoming an issue.

One weird and unrelated thing that I thought I’d mention is that I had a sudden cure to my stiffness and range of motion issues in my left arm. I had been able to loosen it up during the day, but it was always bad in the morning. Recently, I had a weird and fortuitous sick day in which I seem to have vomited enough to loosen up whatever adhesion had been causing my problem. This was after months of having PT’s work on it to no avail. But I’m not recommending that anyone try it at home…

Anyway, please let me know if anyone has advice on Tylenol management.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | 5 days ago

In reply to @elsbeth "Your question, “How long does it take to get off Tylenol” has me intrigued. I’m off..." + (show)

@elsbeth
My Rehumy said Tylenol for ARTHRITIS, 2 pills up to 3x a day. Worked wonders and use it still now that I’m off prednisone and still on Kevzara. (Not Tylenol extra strength)
I, too, don’t like to take meds, but this one is worth it.
I never seem to take more than 2 in the morning, or maybe instead later in the day depending upon how I feel.

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | 5 days ago

In reply to @tweetypie13 "@elsbeth My Rehumy said Tylenol for ARTHRITIS, 2 pills up to 3x a day. Worked wonders..." + (show)

@tweetypie13
PS, I’m 79yo.

noti | @noti | 5 days ago

In reply to @elsbeth "Your question, “How long does it take to get off Tylenol” has me intrigued. I’m off..." + (show)

@elsbeth I'm only taking it for comfort, to get through the day. It doesn't cure anything but helps me stay active.
At this point some things are still improving for me. My knees are probably my biggest remaining problem, and being able to walk and climb stairs seems worth it to me. But your choice to just use it to sleep seems perfectly reasonable to me.

rhb80 | @rhb80 | 4 days ago

In reply to @elsbeth "Your question, “How long does it take to get off Tylenol” has me intrigued. I’m off..." + (show)

@elsbeth It is there just to mask the pain. Also not good for your liver if too much is used.

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | 4 days ago

In reply to @rhb80 "@elsbeth It is there just to mask the pain. Also not good for your liver if..." + (show)

@rhb80
In my book, OTC is meant to be taken “as needed” not continuous. Works for me

Howdy! | @kereno | 4 days ago

I think the trick is to take arthritis-strength slow-release Tylenol. My doc advises me to take 2 pills up to 3x/day. I take it twice daily lately.
I was actually doing well by following a strict anti-inflammatory diet during and after prednisone. Then company came and I indulged a bit too much apparently.
It’s interesting to be having a flare up, whether arthritis or PMR not clear, because last year I succumbed also after an exhaustive fall garden clean up (mulching, transplanting, etc) then indulging in sweets at Thanksgiving time…I had a flare (followed by prednisone).
I am seeking advice from a naturopath to see if I can stop the cycle without drugs.