@1942marilyne, @johnbishop, and all...Hello, everyone. My PMR and autoimmune friends...I saw my Mayo rheumatologist yesterday...YEA! It was a wonderful visit with a lot of good information exchanged and I learned so much. I left feeling so uplifted that this man understands my issues and struggles in my life. He gave me affirmation that my lifestyle changes are improving my health and helping the autoimmune issues respond better to the treatment.

I'm staying most of the day in bed, sitting with lots of comfy pillows, and drapery opened and enjoying feeling like I'm in my little treehouse, in the huge, beautiful limbs of my old live oak tree with Spanish moss and lots of squirrels and birds, etc. It's a joy to see outside and to have the light and beauty come into my bedroom. This tree is in front of my condo building, in the parking lot, so I'm not on lovely acreage or have a beautiful piece of property... It's a parking lot and a building across the street, with a lovely live oak tree the length of all my windows...

I get activity during the day puttering around, doing small things upstairs to keep my life going smoothly. But, I'm spending most of my days in bed, resting. Against my nature totally! Against my upbringing! Totally! I was never allowed to stay in bed or lounge around. We all had chores and participated in-home care and life...so to live like this is challenging for me. But, the doctor was so kind and told me this is exactly what I must do.

I've taken Prednisone for new PMR and GCA diagnoses since I had COVID-19 last July. I attempted a taper but had to go back to 20mg daily to have the pain relief I needed and any relief from extreme fatigue. He added 7.5mg of methotrexate once weekly to help the Prednisone do its job and to reduce the need for the steroid. I'm thrilled!

I asked him about using hydroxychloroquine in conjunction with Prenisone as some of you are taking. He said yes, that's a consideration, but my autoimmune issues are severe, so methotrexate is preferred.

He also added a prescription for Folate supplementation as Methotrexate can cause anemia and reduce folate in patients. I have a problem with anemia, don't absorb B vitamins, Iron, or other nutrients well, and need regular supplementation. We'll watch these levels closely with regular bloodwork.

Hope this helps all. You surely help me with your info! Appreciated!
Blessings, Elizabeth