Do you self medicate?

Butterflake

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Joined : Jun 2006

Posts : 1650

Posted 8/11/2010 11:48 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Everyone. I'm having a lupus flare that started Monday. It looks like I'm going to need a prednisone burst taper (30mg, 20mg etc) to stop the flare.

Usually I go to my rheumy or internist when I feel this awful, but they both prescribe the same taper I described. I self medicate for minor flares, but not for the major flares. What do you do? Love, Butterflake

Lynnwood

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Joined : May 2005

Posts : 8160

Posted 8/11/2010 4:12 PM (GMT 0)

Generally I don't self-medicate, but if it's something fairly regular like you are describing where the symptoms are identical to previous episodes and the medication is the same each time, I would be sorely tempted. You might want to call the nurse and tell them what you are planning just to be safe, since 30 - 20 mg is a somewhat high amount.

If the symptoms are different, even in the slightest, I'd suggest seeing the dr. Don't want to ever accidentally hurt oneself, ya' know?

redrose77

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Joined : Sep 2005

Posts : 2573

Posted 8/11/2010 4:33 PM (GMT 0)

my rheumy actually allows for me to increase 10mg in a short burst if I start to flare, when I am not trying to decrease that is. He wrote it into my prescription that way and trusts me to call him if it is a servere flare.

aimsgirl16

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Joined : Jun 2008

Posts : 1470

Posted 8/11/2010 10:46 PM (GMT 0)

Since I have kidney issues I have been given permission by my rhuemy to go up to 20 mg of pred more to see if that will help my kidney flairs for a week or two. If symptoms are still showing then I have to call my nephrologist. i think this is something that needs to be cleared with your doc for sure. And if you are worried its more than a normal flare, then deffinatly make an apt!

Butterflake

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Joined : Jun 2006

Posts : 1650

Posted 8/13/2010 12:06 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for your replies Ladies. I ended up calling my rheumy and left a message detailing the taper I'm doing. I haven't heard back from them yet, so I did 30mg one day and 20mg the past two days. It will be interesting to hear what my rheumy says. Love, Butterflake

sjkly

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Joined : Dec 2007

Posts : 2113

Posted 8/13/2010 1:57 PM (GMT 0)

My rhuemy returns all phone calls the same day herself-not just someone in the office. So, I don't self medicate. I have no need to .

okie

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Joined : Dec 2006

Posts : 2818

Posted 8/13/2010 5:27 PM (GMT 0)

So how are you feeling? is the predisone helping? My doctor actually insist I keep it in the house in a back up plan. Just incase it's a weekend or I can't reach anyone for whatever reason. because as you know left untreated it can only get worse. I hope you are starting to feel better.

love ya

carol

Butterflake

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Joined : Jun 2006

Posts : 1650

Posted 8/14/2010 3:20 PM (GMT 0)

Sjkly you're so lucky to have a doc who responds quickly! I still haven't heard back from mine. Carol I'm feeling much better. The joint pain was awful and I'm really glad I'm taking the pred taper. I hope you're feeling ok today. Love ya, Donna

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