I had PMR for about 12 years.As the ESR dropped to 17 Dr Suggested I reduced prednisolone from 7.5mgs gradually down to nil which I have done over a five month period.
An ESR taken about two weeks ago had increased to 29.
I am feeling desperately tired, stiff, neck and shoulders, hips, buttocks all ache and walking any distance is a real effort - not because of pain but because of lack of energy.
Has anyone had the same experience?
Are these symptoms common when coming off prednisolone?
The Dr seems to discount the possibility of the PMR having returned.
Ezekiel
Too fast a drop, it takes about six months for your adrenal galnds to kick back in to normal. That is why it is recommended that when coming off long term steroids usage (long term is anything over 7.5 mg for more than one month) once down to 5mg you take a 1mg drop every three months unless symptoms re-occur then you raise the dose to where you are comfortable.
ESR should be about half your age, but most GPs like it to be about 25 or below.
What also has to be taken into account is CRP rate - which should be 5 normal andbelow 10.
Google pmr-gca Tayside website - follow links for support groups.
mrs K
I developed pmr about 18 months ago, blood tests indicate that I am free of the condition.However, I seem to be stuck on 3.5 of prednisolene: if I try to reduce, I have neck and head pains. My advice is to come down gradually and go back up if symptoms recur- remember side effects are much less on the lower doses.
Good Luck.
Hi just back from a week in the sun so late joining in !! My ESR wasnt as high as 29 when I was diagnised with PMR It was always my CRP which was the highest reading It does sound as if your PMR has returned because of your symptons I am on my 2nd bout of PMR after being on steroids for 2 years and then 3 years free and now about 6 months back with it This time my ESR is the highest reading but on my monthly blod tests when my ESR had gone up from 4 to 11 my DR wouldnt let me reduce my steroids as when I tried to minor aches were back I do think we are all individuals and you know how you feel so go back to the Dr if you dont feel right as my DR told me not to try and controls things with painkillers when my symptons seemed to return this time around ((Which I did)) but get blood tests straight away as it does appear that when not treated early you seem to have more chance of GCA which I am thankful I havent got
How is your progress on reducing Prednisolene? I am on 3mg per day now and I was on 5mg in September last year. Cant say I feel a lot better, but the Doctor is keen to reduce as much as possible. In a few weeks time I shall alternate between 3mg and 2mg per day.
How is your progress on reducing Prednisolene? I am on 3mg per day now and I was on 5mg in September last year. Cant say I feel a lot better, but the Doctor is keen to reduce as much as possible. In a few weeks time I shall alternate between 3mg and 2mg per day.
How is your progress on reducing Prednisolene? I am on 3mg per day now and I was on 5mg in September last year. Cant say I feel a lot better, but the Doctor is keen to reduce as much as possible. In a few weeks time I shall alternate between 3mg and 2mg per day.