Hi John,

Welcome to the forum!

None of these medications are benign and so there will be a natural tendency on the part of the medics to reduce the dosage once people are under control.

Steroids, in particular, if taken in high doses and for regular periods can result in osteoporosis (loss of bone density) which is of particular concern in those of us of a certain age, shall we say? Were you on calcium supplements to protect your bones?

Steroids can also have peculiar and widely varying effects on your mood. I am currently on high-dose steroids and this time I have the euphoria and high energy levels. Last night I managed only three hours sleep and have not felt the effects today. However, it is just as likely to create depression and lack of energy.

The trick is to not over do it. If you imagine a descending diagonal line representing the dosage, and beneath it and ascending line representing the disease, you certainly do not want them to cross. :)

I imagine a good shape would be like a funnel on its side.

If you are having a flare then you definitely need to talk to the rheumatology nurse, and make a bit of a nuisance of yourself if necessary. You definitely cannot wait until 11 July, nor should you. And, bear in mind, that you don't need necessarily to have an appointment at the hospital, you may well be able to manage with a telephone consultation. It may be different for you, but my letters from the rheumatology nurses include a raft of telephone numbers for different contact points so I would say give them a call.

The nurse will be best placed to advise on what to do with immediate medication and to take counsel from a consultant where necessary.

Good luck, and don't hesitate to come back for more help and advice. We are a friendly bunch here even if the guys are a bit in the minority.

Hi John
I know that generally the docs want to keep steroids down to emergency use only, but clearly in your case you will need to wean yourself off them very slowly - Steve has good advice.

Welcome to all you guys - it's nice to have a bit of balance in the forum - keep posting and let us know how you're getting on

Best wishes - Sylvia xx

Thank you to all who gave advice.
Saw consultant today - back on Hydroxychloroquine (together with reduced Methotrexate) plus one week's supply of Prednisolone to help reduce the inflammation. Have to go back in one month for injections in both shoulders but hopefully this will not be needed if hydroxychloroquine 'kicks in'.
Apparently, I should NOT have been taken off the hydroxychloroquine! I did query it at the time but was told that the doctor had requested that it should be discontinued and me, being a 'newcomer' accepted this fact thinking it had something to do with my liver levels (which are now back to normal since the Methotrexate was reduced).
John

Hello Paul
Yes, RA Nurse is really good. Am now feeling much more positive.
Many thanks for the input.
John L