I was on Losartin (Cozaar) and Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiurel) also. My calcium channel blocker was Amlodipine (Norvasc). All of these medications were started after PMR was diagnosed. A cardiologist threatened me with starting a Beta Blocker if the above three medications didn't work. A cholesterol lowering medication was added at my next cardiology visit.

I took high doses (60-100 mg) of Prednisone intermittently and often but only on a short term basis before PMR was diagnosed. Usually I took the highest dose for a couple of days followed by a fast taper in a month for flares of uveitis and inflammatory arthritis. I didn't seem to have any other health related problems except for trigeminal neuralgia. I didn't have a PCP or a rheumatologist because my ophthalmologist prescribed all the prednisone for uveitis.

After PMR was diagnosed, I was on Prednisone daily and long term for more than 12 years starting with a dose of 40 mg. I was seen by my first rheumatologist and a PCP referred me to multiple specialists for a variety of health problems. I stopped seeing a neurologist because they wouldn't prescribe Prednisone so my PCP managed trigeminal neuralgia with more Prednisone when I needed it.

I never got much lower than 10 mg in 12 years until I started Actemra, Then it took a year for me to taper off prednisone.

I was able to have surgery for trigeminal neuralgia when I was still taking Prednisone. That was when I first saw an endocrinologist who was concerned about all the Prednisone I needed prior to having surgery. She watched me like a hawk until she was convinced I wasn't going to have an adrenal crisis. I just remember all the steroids that were being administered to me after brain surgery. A large vein was found to be compressing my trigeminal nerve and caused electrical problems.

When I started my blood pressure medications, a BP of 210/110 was discovered. I had no prior history of hypertension or any cardiovascular problems. All of a sudden I had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiac arrhythmias. A year or so later I had a massive and bilateral pulmonary embolism following a hospital acquired and work related enteric infection. I wound up in intensive care and warfarin for life was started.

All my blood pressure medication have been stopped when I was able to taper off Prednisone. I was getting dizzy and lightheaded all the time. Warfarin for life was stopped a few months ago. In fact, almost all my medications except for Actemra have been stopped since I discontinued Prednisone. My PCP likes to deprescribe medications. She said she likes that part of medicine.