Hi Gogs,

I have been following your posts and you have so much to cope with, I really feel for you.

It sounds as if you have reduced the steroids too rapidly, the body doesn't take kindly to this and kicks back with a vengeance. A gradual reduction is usually advised.

Why not ask your GP for advice on reducing steroids, a phone consultation could be enough for this. Steroids are powerful drugs but I for one would not manage without them and I have had RA for 42 years.

Hope you can get some professional help and take good care,
Liz

Hi Liz and Suzanne,

I did have an appointment to see my GP this afternoon, he's advised me to increase the steroids again to 20mg
for the next two week. He made me laugh by saying as he saw my hand pushing the door open he thought I'd put a lot of weight on!!!

I have another very painful and very personal problem which requires another surgeon - you couldn't make this up could you?
My face gave him all he needed to know and he suggested we manage it conservatively for the time being = phew

Suzanne I have to admit I didn't contact the nurse as I don't particularly feel warm towards her - the feeling I think is mutual, the consultant knows
about it and has asked me to give her a second chance

Gogs xx

will keep the emotional stuff for the original post otherwise it will get too complicated

Hi Gogs,

My understanding is that once you have been on steroids a while your body stops producing cortisone naturally, hence the reason for gradual reduction, so the body can learn to produce it again. Large increases to deal with symptoms are OK. but large reductions are to be avoided. Maybe you were on the higher dose for too little time for it to have required a step reduction but if it happens again I'd be guided by your GP on dose reduction.


You 'sound' as though you're in a bit better place now. So keep calm and carry on.

Hi Gogs - this might sound very obvious but make sure you take the full dose of painkillers so you stay on top of pain rather than trying to pay catch up with it. Rest as and when you can and try to distract yourself with interesting things - hard, I know when you get so little me-time.

I have had some good support and advice from the nurse on the helpline number too. She may be able to advise better on the steroid dose. Just be careful reducing quickly as it can play havoc with your mood, as well as other problems.

Hope tomorrow is less of a painful day for you xx Ailsa