I'M OFF PREDS

joyful164

I saw my consultant 4 weeks ago and he said he wanted me come off preds (steroids) So I was taking 2.5 mg every other day and now I am off them completely.
I then had a follow up appt with my Rheumy Nurse yesterday to see how I was getting on.

OK. I was put on preds for my Polymyalgeria Rheumatica about 18 months ago, and was put on 20 mg a day for 2-3 weeks, then decreasing each month until I was down to the 2.5 mg. My gp at that time, wanted me to stay on the smallest dose as a kind of caretaking dose if you like. This would or should help to ward off any flareups. If a flare up of the PMR was to happen then I would have to start preds again at 20 mgs and work back down again.
My consultant has said I was to stop taking them, so I am a bit nervous now. My new doctor has said that my immune system would be stronger now.

I was under the impression that preds helped to keep infection away. Can anyone help explain what I might expect now that I am off preds

Joy

Joy

tillytop

Hi Joy
Just seen your message and so pleased that your Polymyalgia is now better enough for you to come off the Prednisolone. I don’t know anything about Polymyalgia but have taken Prednisolone on and off for many years for Rheumatoid Arthritis so hopefully I can answer some of your questions.
Docs like to keep the Pred at the minimum possible dose to control inflammation because, although they work brilliantly, they have potentially serious side effects in the longer term. Often, as you say, you start with a big dose and then gradually work down to a much lower maintenance dose to keep things ticking along while inflammation is still present. Prednisolone though, as far as I am aware, doesn’t do anything to prevent inflammation in the first place, but just keeps it under control if it occurs. So taking it if there is no inflammation present would be like taking paracetamol in case you get a headache (if that makes sense).
I'm sure someone wth experience of Polymyalgia will be along soon with more specific advice, but really hope you continue to be well and that the Polymyalgia leaves you alone now!
Love Tilly x

scattered

I'm glad to hear that you are now off the pred. Being on it long term can cause some serious problems. I hope you do not have a flare up of your PMR.

You asked if pred helps to prevent infection. It doesn't. Pred lowers the immune system making you mure vulnerable to infection. Now you're off it your resistance to infection should improve.

skezier

Hi Joy,

Glad you are off them.... they don't help your body for log term use. As Scattered said hopefully now you will be better able to fight off infection as the preds are an immune superuser. A ((( ))) and a hope it all stays good for you. Cris xx

dreamdaisy

Pred is your friend and your enemy all wrapped up in one. They are very good short term, extremely bad long term. It's good you are off them for the time being and I hope that lasts. Wishing you well, DD

frogmorton

Hi Joy

well done you

Not everyone can do that you knwo.

I hope the PMR stays away for a very very long time for you.

Love

Toni xx