Connect
← Return to Can anyone recommend a Rheumatologist at UCSF in San Francisco?
Discussion
Can anyone recommend a Rheumatologist at UCSF in San Francisco?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 27 11:16am | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
Yes, PMRGCAuk is especially useful for the personal experiences, and finding others with similar struggles.
Staying at 2mg or 3mg until knowing through a test that cortisol had improved makes a lot of sense. Better than just dropping with fingers crossed. As you said, since some of the PMR and adrenal deficiency symptoms do overlap, it's important to know what the cortisol is up to. I guess since I seemed OK my doctor/s never ordered a cortisol test, but when I went too low, even tapering soooo slowly, things finally caught up to me and I knew my misery was adrenal related.
Thank you! Thanks for your time. Really good information. You've been a big help to me.
Replies to "Yes, PMRGCAuk is especially useful for the personal experiences, and finding others with similar struggles. Staying..."
Connect
I like to share my personal experience. I was on Prednisone for more than 12 years after PMR was diagnosed. Prior to being diagnosed with PMR, I took Prednisone for 20 years in high dose bursts followed by a fast taper for other autoimmune conditions.
After long term Prednisone use for PMR, I was ready to concede that I would never get off Prednisone no matter how slowly I tapered. My endocrinologist said it was more complicated than a slow taper. She also said after prolonged Prednisone use, there was no tapering method that was more effective than any other tapering method.
Much of it is having hope and not giving up. Just don't believe people when they assume any and all pain is PMR related after you are diagnosed with PMR. It took me a long time to figure that out. Also, there are some alternatives to long term Prednisone for PMR/GCA if you can find the right rheumatologist. A good endocrinologist was also helpful.
Good luck!