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Dropping into the 2-1 mg range
I'm 86. Was very health, 15.5 months ago. Contracted PMR at that point. Started Prednisone(20mg). I have had one relapse at 6mg, and had to go all the way back to 15. I'm now at 3 mg. I started having Sciatic nerve problems 2 months into PMR. I've run the full course of treatments for the sciatic nerve, and am now scheduled for an operation end of Jan. Since the Dr. doesn't want to do the operation if I'm taking more the 2 mg prednisone, I'm trying hard not to have another relapse. A few days ago, I had a few days of elevated morning pain, so I took 2 days at 4mg, then 2 days at 3.5 mg. Seems to have done the trick. I have 10 days of 3 mg left. When I go to 2 mg, I'll take 2.5 for 4 or 5 days, then go to 2 mg. My doctor is not to keen on having me change dosages with out consulting him. My feeling is that I could be into another relapse by the time I got an answer from him.
So my question: does what I'm doing seem reasonable and what should I expect as I drop into the 2 and the 1 mg range?
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Seems very reasonable. I also juggled a bit as I got near the 2-1 mg range. No point waiting for a call - it’s not the doc who’s in pain. You need to get on it fast. Up .5 down .5. Up 1 down 1. Trick is to be patient. You’re getting close. Supplement with Tylenol only if needed. Good luck.
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1 ReactionI was alternating 2-1-2-1, daily for about 2 weeks until i started to feel PMR in my neck & shoulders and my knee with a torn meniscus acted up with a vengeance. I messaged my Dr and she told me to remain on 2mg daily until my next appt in mid January. The 2mg daily has helped the PMR symptoms disappear. My torn meniscus isn't as painful but certainly causing me discomfort. I will see an orthopedic surgeon on Jan 2nd.
@aisp3b PT is an option to repair a torn meniscus too. Don’t jump to surgery without at least trying it for a while.
I have recovered from torn meniscus, partial torn hamstring tendon, 4 rotator cuff tears and a partial bicep tendon tear with PT. Each taking about 4 months…same, or less, time than surgery recovery!
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3 Reactions@anniz Thank you for your good advice. I had the meniscus tear (had an MRI in Oct '24). It was pretty bad. I developed PMR shortly after. The knee pain went away with a cortisone shot and then I started steroids for PMR. When I went down to 2mg/1mg alternating days, my knee pain came back with a vengeance after 1 year.
@aisp3b Visited my rheumatologist this past week and discussed my tapering, Started at 20mg a little more than a year ago and am at 4.5mg as of yesterday, She did advise only going down a half mg at a time at this low of a dose and to try and do it 30 days. Somewhat impatient to get off prednisone so I am going to split the difference and try at 14 days. Also to validate your rheumatologist advice, mine told me that if I did flare up go back to the last dosage which I found relief, Good Luck
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1 ReactionIf you are a man, talk with your doc about a DEXA bone scan. It is often forgotten that men get osteoporosis also, especially when on steroids
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2 ReactionsI am. I have had DEXA scan. Because, even though I am in a great deal of pain, I try and stay as active as I can. My bone density is holding up quite well. Normal or above in some areas.
Thanks for the info.