having to up my prednisolone....

sennacharib
sennacharib Member Posts: 76
edited 18. Aug 2011, 10:44 in Living with Arthritis archive
I got down to 15mg prednisolone and the pains in hands, wrists, ankles, elbows and shoulders returned the last few days with avengence, so spoke to my GP who has said to up them again to 25mg for 2 weeks, then 20mg 2 weeks, etc etc till i wean off them again. She also said the plaquenil should be starting to work now as I am on week 7 of taking it twice daily, although first 2 weeks was once daily) so I wondered if this is right medication for me? Maybe i need something stronger than plaquenil?
She wants me to wait till i see rheumy on 28/9/11, and see how i feel then, she feels i will be feeling better by that time. I had been feeling great really apart from odd days and pains, until i got down to between 20mg and 15mg prednisolone and them wham! it all came back...
Also my swelling is increasing esp on sides hands and wrists and mostly along knuckles the boggy areas are getting bigger and the redness comes and goes throughout day depening on what i have been doing :(

Is this normal?

Thanks all for answering my endless questions!!!

Hugs & take care xxxx

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yup, entirely normal. I have lost count of the times I have been reducing only to have the medicos put it back up and I had to start all over again. I think you are new-ish to all this and your meds are not sorted yet, so don't fret too much: they help and that matters. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,830
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Senna

    poor you :sad: l think they say at least 12 weeks for most drugs to work so it may still be too early to tell?? I think for mine to really work it was nearer 6 months. In September they may well add another medication to the mix for you.

    Shame you had to up the pred when you were doing so well, but try not to feel too dispondant.....you WILL get it down again for certain :smile:

    Love and gentle hugs

    Toni xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi senna

    Hope the increase in your pred helps to relieve your symptoms again but I am sorry that you had to do this.

    I hope as you reduce the steroid this time, the other meds you are on for your arthritis begin to work and keep it under control.

    Good luck with your appointment in sept.
    juliepf x

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