Diagnosed with PMR 2 1/2 years ago. How do I manage the extreme pain?

I guess I was fortunate with the rheumatologist I had at the Rochester Mayo Clinic, Dr. Thomas Osborn. I think he is/was one of their top ones, or at least had the most experience with seniors. Plus he had empathy which made me feel a lot better that he cared about his patients. I will keep you in my prayers hoping you find an answer that will help your husband.

Thank you, John. Actually, two of the rheumatologists are at well-know hospitals, not Mayo though. We are very lucky to have excellent doctors at Emory, with the exception of the rheumatologist. He also has doctors at Vanderbilt. We do not use any local doctors as they seem not to be able to diagnose or treat my husband. Again, John, thank you for your responses and prayers.

I suddenly developed PMR and was put on 5mg steroids, which worked for a<br>while, but then relapsed and was sent to a consultant who put me on 20mg<br>and then gradually reduced the dosage over a period of a year. This worked<br>well and I am now clear for the past two years T.G. I hope ethis healpful.<br>Good Luck.<br>

I have and am experiencing these same symptom logy plus those of LG cell artritis. There are also sle, pyruvate something, adult polyglucan body disorder. These all in addition to everything else I'm suffering from at a pain level range of 5 to 10 constantly.

I just been diagnosed and they put me on steroids. I just would like to find someone who knows about it or had it a while. I want to kinda know what to expect. Thank you!

I was diagnosed with PMR in early 2007 and was on prednisone (20 mg daily) for 3 years until I was finally able to get off of it gradually in 2010 when my PMR went into remission. Prednisone was a magic pill but it does have some side effects - the only one that bothered me was the weight gain. I think it increases your appetite. Unfortunately my PMR reared it's ugly head again about three weeks ago so I recently started back on prednisone. I do think diet may play an important part of autoimmune diseases after reading a book - Wahls Protocol by Dr. Terry Wahls. http://terrywahls.com/about/about-terry-wahls/. I just try to stay close to the basic part of the diet - no gluten, no dairy, no sugar or processed foods. I do fudge a little but I figure any reduction of the gluten, sugar and processed foods is better for you. I'm also dealing with small fiber peripheral neuropathy which was diagnosed in March but I've had more than 15+ years just never bothered to get it diagnosed because I was always told if they find you have nerve damage there's nothing they can do about it. This has been an interesting year and the one thing I have learned is you have to be your own advocate and while there may be no one thing that helps with your symptoms you just need to keep looking at finding something that will work of you. Hoping you are able to get your PMR under control as I know how much it hurts. Good luck!

Hi @jchatchett, and welcome to Connect! I moved your message over to this existing thread on PMR. You'll find several members are discussing their experiences and sharing advice. All, please meet, and join me in welcoming, @jchatchett! Additionally, I'd like to encourage @grandmajan and@jasonkwells to join the conversation.

My husband was diagnosed last year with PMR. He is on prednisone 5 mg bid. This is the only thing that gives him any relief from the pain. His doctor has tried reducing the dosage, but the pain comes back within 24 hours of reducing dosage. Others in this group have mentioned they had to take the prednisone several years before they could reduce the dosage without pain recurring. My husband has not experienced weight gain but I can see a change in his personality. He does stretching exercises which gives him a little relief from the pain. I hope you are able to find the right meds that will help with your pain. Good luck.

I just received my diagnosis and went to the rheumatologist. I am on Predisone 20 for 4 weeks and I'm losing weight. My face and neck looks fuller. The pain is better but not gone. I guess you never get rid of all the pain. I try to eat small meals during the day. I can't take anti inflammatory because I lost one kidney and my other one is 3/4 %. He did give me a shot in my hip, I go back in 2 weeks and I will see if he will inject my hip on the other side. It really helped.

Hi got your email about your husband. So sorry. This disease isn't for the faint of heart. <br>As for my treatment I take a cortisone shot occasionally. Used to take one every 8 weeks but haven't had one since September but having a flare up now. <br>Also I used to take methotrexate (small dose). And tramadal for pain. <br>I've had PMR for 5 years. It's not as severe but rears its ugly grad occasionally. Ps aspirin helps much more than IBPROVEN or Tylenol. Best wishes. <br><br>