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New PMR patient, wondering if mornings will become pain free someday
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 1 11:10am | Replies (120)Comment receiving replies
Welcome @321design, That does seem to be the magic and elusive question when diagnosed with PMR and wanting to get rid of the pain and off of prednisone in the shortest time possible. I've had PMR twice now and started at 20 mg prednisone. First time took 3 and half years to get off with a six year remission and the second time took 1 and half years to get off and I'm working on year seven for remission. My rheumatologist reminded me we are all different and had me keep a daily pain log along with the dose for the day. He told me when it was time to taper I had to listen to my body and if the pain was too much to try another week at the same dose to see if it got better or worse. If it got better I tapered to the next level down. If it got worse, I went up half of my last taper down. For me that number was a 2 or less on my pain scale of 0 to 10.
You might want to read through the experiences of others on tapering. Here's a link to the search results if you want to read through some of the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=tapering%20off%20prednisone.
Sadly I gave up my motorcycle and dirt bike days in my 50s due to other problems not related to PMR. I can relate to not wanting to quit doing something that is fun and enjoyable. Have you tried making any lifestyle changes to help with the PMR?
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Thanks John. I did read the discussions about how others dealt with tapering. It seems to vary according to the individual. I guess my confusion is about how much discomfort is worth taking less pred. because of the long term side effects. I'm on 7.5 now but have pain until the afternoon. Should I go up to 10 if it eliminates all pain? Of course the test numbers need to be acceptable. I will have this conversation with my rheumatologist in a few weeks.
Activity wise I am used to doing a lot of physical things; exercising, hiking, working around the house and riding. Very hard to not do those things. I am also trying to heal a hamstring strain from a dirt bike fall. I cannot see giving them up.