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Are painful swollen hands and fingers a PMR flare?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 14 hours ago | Replies (158)Comment receiving replies
I continue to taper from a high of 30 last October. In January, at 9, my PMR was determined to be in remission by testing. My rheumy made it clear at that time that various pains should be expected as the taper continued, but that they would not be PMR, but probably osteoarthritis. I am now at 4, and variously and randomly experience low levels of pain and stiffness in one shoulder, wrists, hands, and lower back, all normally largely gone by late afternoon. Mild osteoarthritis was confirmed in my wrists and hands by imaging. As I continue to taper at 0.5 per month, I expect these to continue until my cortisol production improves. In the meantime an occasional dose of Tylenol, and gentle stretching has been helpful. Since NSAIDS are a no-no while on prednisone, I look forward to being able to try them if necessary once off prednisone. In any case, I have not been tempted to increase prednisone to control what have been manageable symptoms, knowing that they are not PMR, and hoping all this will be gone within the next 8 months. We shall see. Best to all.
Replies to "I continue to taper from a high of 30 last October. In January, at 9, my..."
I wish you well in your journey. I am prednisone free almost two weeks. I was on prednisone for eight months . Initially 60 mg were prescribed for me because I also had GCA and PMR. Following anti-inflammatory diet for several months now recently added some stretching exercises. And switched from Tylenol to ibuprofen to manage any PMR or tapered down pain that I might have. I want to have my cortisol levels tested so I will contact my endocrinologist soon. Hoping the adrenaline gland is not suppressed too much and insufficient. So far so good.
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Your rheumatologist sounds sensible to me. Better than people who advise increasing prednisone for niggles of pain as we are trying to taper off prednisone. My rheumatologist also said I shouldn't expect to be completely pain free.
It is incredible that my rheumatologist says I can still take Prednisone if I need to after so many years of trying to taper off Prednisone. It isn't like Prednisone has been banned and I will never be prescribed it ever again. Knowing this also makes it easier to taper off Prednisone. I actually have a prescription for Prednisone to take "as needed" for unexpected flares when I travel.
That reminds me ... NSAIDS were contraindicted when I was on both Prednisone and warfarin. It would probably be okay it I wanted to take an NSAID now because I'm no longer taking Prednisone and warfarin.