When I got to 9 mg. during my taper, I had a flare. I kept increasing the dosage until I got some relief at 15 mg. I agree with @jeff97 with the taper schedule and cutting pills, if necessary. I'm glad you're getting into a new rheumatologist. Hopefully, you'll they'll listen to you.
I started on 40mg end of April and then tapered down to 5mg by mid June. Next I split 5mg and took it when symptoms began, not same time every day. This reduced to 2.5mg in about a 20 hr period before needing relief. Over the past 48+ hrs I’ve used Tylenol instead of prednisone and so far I’m good.
Back story… I’ve had PMR for several years but thought it was an old back injury better known as, “my backs out”, lol! Thought for sure I needed a hip replacement, nope. Anyway, on my 63rd bday I had a flare up but this time it was in my head, neck and shoulders + fatigue + running a very slight temp. Bloodwork was a disaster and of course I thought the worse… and shortly there after I was introduced to PMR diagnosis. Skipping forward… my health and wellness Dr has me on Metformin for weight loss management. Why do I mention this? I’ve been able to lose weight while on prednisone and I’m down to taking Tylenol instead of prednisone in only 2 months. Yes, I eat 99% healthy, 1% low cal ice cream, ha! Hey we all have a weakness 😀 I’m still not exercising enough but plan to change that very slowly starting today. Metformin's not for everyone but I truly believe it helped reduce my inflammation and put me in remission much sooner than I believed possible. By the way, I’m now 5’ - 7” 195 lbs, started 4 1/2 years ago at 265 lbs. I have 20 more to go but not in a rush, slow and steady! No, alcohol, no sodas, no fast food, no processed foods, drink a lot of water and black coffee. Also, attempting to keep my stress level to a minimum but I still work so…
Note; Just sharing my journey, not a Dr, hope you get to feeling better soon!
First the Dr but then you have to take over once you’re in the groove. If your Dr doesn’t have PMR then they are just the script writer, not the expert. This forum really helped me and it can help you as well. GL
One of the things that helped me and I think also has helped others is keeping a daily journal/log of your level of pain when you get up in the morning and dosage for the day. Do you keep a daily log?
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When I got to 9 mg. during my taper, I had a flare. I kept increasing the dosage until I got some relief at 15 mg. I agree with @jeff97 with the taper schedule and cutting pills, if necessary. I'm glad you're getting into a new rheumatologist. Hopefully, you'll they'll listen to you.
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1 ReactionI started on 40mg end of April and then tapered down to 5mg by mid June. Next I split 5mg and took it when symptoms began, not same time every day. This reduced to 2.5mg in about a 20 hr period before needing relief. Over the past 48+ hrs I’ve used Tylenol instead of prednisone and so far I’m good.
Back story… I’ve had PMR for several years but thought it was an old back injury better known as, “my backs out”, lol! Thought for sure I needed a hip replacement, nope. Anyway, on my 63rd bday I had a flare up but this time it was in my head, neck and shoulders + fatigue + running a very slight temp. Bloodwork was a disaster and of course I thought the worse… and shortly there after I was introduced to PMR diagnosis. Skipping forward… my health and wellness Dr has me on Metformin for weight loss management. Why do I mention this? I’ve been able to lose weight while on prednisone and I’m down to taking Tylenol instead of prednisone in only 2 months. Yes, I eat 99% healthy, 1% low cal ice cream, ha! Hey we all have a weakness 😀 I’m still not exercising enough but plan to change that very slowly starting today. Metformin's not for everyone but I truly believe it helped reduce my inflammation and put me in remission much sooner than I believed possible. By the way, I’m now 5’ - 7” 195 lbs, started 4 1/2 years ago at 265 lbs. I have 20 more to go but not in a rush, slow and steady! No, alcohol, no sodas, no fast food, no processed foods, drink a lot of water and black coffee. Also, attempting to keep my stress level to a minimum but I still work so…
Note; Just sharing my journey, not a Dr, hope you get to feeling better soon!
First the Dr but then you have to take over once you’re in the groove. If your Dr doesn’t have PMR then they are just the script writer, not the expert. This forum really helped me and it can help you as well. GL
Yes I do.
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