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Any Tips For Tapering Off Prednisone?

Posted by hopeinal @hopeinal, Aug 26, 2024

This is my third attempt to taper off of Prednisone or at least down to about 4 mg since my rheumatologist said that I wouldn't have all of these gruesome side effects at that dose and could stay on it for life if necessary. The thing is that as soon as I get down to 7 mg I start to flare. Today is my 3rd day on 7 mg and my shoulders and lower back are so stiff and painful it hurts to move.

I'm really discouraged. Have followed the taper schedule my rheumie gave me and stayed at each dose for 2 weeks before dropping down another mg. Any tips or advice on how to taper without having a flare would be much appreciated.

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jds2123 | @jds2123 | Jul 24 11:10am
In reply to @grandmap "I have had tailbone, lower back pain since the PMR started, 2 months ago. Also pain..." + (show)
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I have had tailbone, lower back pain since the PMR started, 2 months ago. Also pain in my shoulders, across the shoulder blades, and back of thighs. As a result of the prednisone, I feel like I'm vibrating inside, my vision is blurry, and my teeth ache constantly.
I have been down to 12.5 mg from 15 mg for 3 days now and the pain in the buttocks is worse.
I see the rheumatologist next week and hoping she can do something to help. What an insidious disease this is!

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I tried injections and facet nerve elations for my LBP with no relief, the only thing that seemed to help was the prednisone. I have been on Kevzara for about a year now and I have been able to ween off the prednisone but back and hip pain persists, I’m presently in Tijuana for stem cell injections to hopefully ease my back and hip pain. Good luck with your journey.

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