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Any Tips For Tapering Off Prednisone?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 5 9:44am | Replies (79)Comment receiving replies
Not sure but from what my doctors have said and what I've researched, a defining diagnosis of PMR is if the Prednisone helps you right away. I was in excruciating pain and so sick for months before starting Prednisone. My sister picked up the scrip and brought it to me at 3:30 pm, 10 mg, and by 6 pm I was completely pain free and feeling great. Less than 3 hours. Somepeople i think it takes maybe until the next day but I believe it always kicks in fast if you have PMR and doesn't with anything else.
Replies to "Not sure but from what my doctors have said and what I've researched, a defining diagnosis..."
Yes .. a fast response to prednisone is "one of the defining characteristics" of PMR. However a fast response to prednisone is not a "defining diagnosis" of PMR.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of "diagnostic entities" that respond to prednisone.
If a person's symptoms don't respond to prednisone then an alternative diagnosis needs to be considered.
However, the reverse is not true. You can't conclude it is PMR because a patient's symptoms go away when they take prednisone.
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6007-9383/prednisone-oral/prednisone-oral/details
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Yes, when I first started prednisone 20 mg I felt like I was a new person the next day. Hate the side effects. Both myself and primary dr are convinced it is PMR. But he sent me to a rheumatologist who tried to convince us it is RA. I still think it is PMR. Thanks for replying. It helps.