anybody change your own pred dosage?

Yes, I would call your rheumy since you have an increase in symptoms. I'm sure you were told that you must taper very very slowly and gradually in order to prevent an increase in symptoms. Prednisone is something I don't mess with much on my own, even when my doctor gives me the green light. That said, increasing your dosage by 1 mg isn't going to hurt you, and if you need to do that before you're able to get in touch with your doctor, I'd do it. I hope it helps!

Pat

heartsong-

you should be able to raise your dosage as well. i have been given liberty to reduce my dosage and instructed to go back up if symptoms returned. i would advise calling your doctor to let them know you are having problems but in the meantime to increase the dose to get some relief.

best of luck!
sharky

Hi Heartsong,

 

In the first couple of years of being on prednisone you should always consult your rheumy first before making any increases or decreases.  You need time to get to know how your body reacts to the changes.  Once you know how your body responds you'll have confidence in regulating things yourself.  I've been on prednisone for 8 years now and I still ask my rheumy what I should do when I have a flare up that is quite bad.  For little flares I do it myself, but for major ones it's important for your rheumy to know what you're doing and keep an eye on you.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Ginny

Thanks, everyone.  My dr said "the first thing we need to try is returning to the original prednisone level (15 mg) and see what happens."  He didn't want me to come in yet.  So we'll see....I hope I don't start gaining weight because of this.

Heartsong,

15mg of prednisone is a low dose.  If you adjust what and how much you eat you will not gain weight.  Patients do not act and take high doses of prednisone and have reduced activity which is a formula for gaining weight.  I was on 60mg and have been on lower doses for over 3 years and have zero weight gain.  Also have a severe case of polymyositis and lost 40 lbs of muscle mass 3 years ago so had far fewer muscles to burn calories.  Spent over 3 months completely crippled and in hospitals but have been able to maintain my predisease weight now for almost 3 years.

Make some adjustments and you will be OK on such a low dose.

Others have already given you good advice.  Don't play doctor and change your meds.  Controlling your immune system is not like taking pills to cure an infection.  Some of us will have to take some dosage of controlling meds for life.  Others will be able to taper off but it can take many months or even several years until your immune system stabilizes.  EVery case is different and you must have patience.  Coming off meds too soon is one of the biggest mistakes you can make because you risk having a flare and never find a maintenance dose to control your disease.

If you are proactive you can avoid weight gain but be aware of any symptoms you might have and tell your doctor.  If you get the infamous moon face or prednisone belly that will go away when you taper to a lower dose or off the meds.  At 15mg you might not have any problems at all. 

Bill