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Shifting from Prednisone to Hydroxychloroquine
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 14 1:14pm | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
@glinda47 first let me tell you that I am alergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories so Tylenol has been my mainstay of OTC's available to me. Believe it or not after 4+ years of using Tylenol (2000-3000mg/day), I developed a sensativity (very rare) to it, so I ration myself to 1000mg/day max but try to keep it to under 500.
After 4+ years I gave in to taking Prednisone following a Covid infection that drove my CRP to as high as it was previously - 130-150. I took 10mg per day for 2 months, then 7.5 for 1 month, then 5 for a month - then I defined my own stepping down program from 5 because I did not want to be at each level for a month. My Rheumy was not happy with it - but it worked for me.
Interesting that you mentioned Doxy, my PCP when I first had symptoms Rx-ed me Doxy and it made me feel a lot better but once I was off it the pain returned rapidly. No other doctor would even consider antibiotics for my symptoms. Believe me I asked many doctors for them - and the docs all thought I was a little crazy. I gave up refined sugar two years ago - don't really miss it. I just celebrated my 80th birthday - I tell people the first 75 were great, the last 5 not so much!
What else can I share that would help? I'm willing to answer any questions, etc - just ask.
Replies to "@glinda47 first let me tell you that I am alergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories so Tylenol has..."
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ja -first let me thank you for your kind and caring response. I can tell you are a rare breed. Something special and gracious about you.
I'm impressed with the decency and humanity of the people in this group and their professional attitudes inspire trust. Not so much on other threads I've found. I think this is much more of the real deal, if you will.
Your response was very helpful and hopeful to me. I would like to ask if the Tylenol helped as much as the pred. Would you have stayed on it if not for the covid and inflammation markers being so high?
Yes, I read about the Doxy in a study that I felt was reliable. Something I will bring up to my rheum. It's too bad the docs aren't as well-informed as they should be. I'd love to find someone who would work with me. Interesting that a PCP suggested the doxy for you. Must be pretty well-informed person, or at least, interested in alternative ways to treat pmr.
Did the pred cause osteoporosis? Are you taking osteo meds? I already have osteo and elected no meds so far, but the rheumy said the practice won't allow patients with osteo to take steroids without osteo meds. Whew. Makes sense tho as pred chews up the bones. She's been on my case about osteo meds as has every endoc and rheum before her.
How are you doing since being off pred or are you still on a small dose?
Happy 80 years to you and hope the next many years are pain free and glorious.
Take good care and once again, thank you for your gracious help and openness.