I need some suggestions, I am on 15 mg of pred tried reducing two mg last week could no do it, i could barely walk, went back to 15, yesterday went down one mg. again felt terrible, i am getting scared that i will never be able to get off this stuff, tomorrow i will go down 1/2, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Georgiana
Georgiana, I'm certainly no expert, my experience with pred was limited, but my suggestion, for what it's worth, is that if you are having such trouble reducing by 2s and 1s, then make the reduction much smaller. I did mine in 1/2mgs, even 1/4s at one stage. So chop up some 1mg tabs, doesn't matter if the halves are not entirely the same size, you will get some crumbling, and reduce by 1/4mgs. It's worth a try. Best of luck! tell us how you get on.
georgiana,
When I found a reduction to be too great i alternated days. That is go to 14
or 13 even 1 day, then 15 again the next then the lower dose the alternating
day. Keep going back & forth for a week , and if you are doing ok, go to 2
days lower 1 day higher.I found after alternating for 1 week, I could just go
to the lower dose.
My rheumy suggested that and it worked. I had trouble doing the uneven
breaking Chico has success with, My body really felt the uneveness of it so I
go with the scoring on the tabs. We are all so diff. Hope the alternating
works for you if you try it
Happy healthy 2008 to allHI Georgiana
I agree with pgr about alternating days, and then doing 2 days lower, 1
day higher before finally switching to the lower. I've been doing it this
way since 5mg, in half mg drops and am now at 2mg and have found it
works very well. My Dr suggested it as a good way of easing the taper.
Also I believe you can get pill splitters from pharmacists which do an
accurate cut without crumbling. I haven't bought one yet, but I gather
they work well and are not expensive.
best wishes
Margaret
I have tried a pill cutter. It helps the crumbling, but does not always cut
evenly.
pgrthanks everyone i had to take 15 today, pain is killing me hips and buttocks and legs extremely painful, i feel like i am walking around and i am moaning, anyone else moan? maybe it is the weather it is extremely cold here for the next couple of days, i am in connecticut.
i will keep you posted and let you know how i do
Georgiana
Hi Georgiana, I agree with everyone here, you have to come off the pred slowly. Sometimes it is like trying to fool the body with the pred. I know the cold weather here outside Chicago will get to me. Just remember we are all here for you, so moan all you want.
Geri