PMR and exercise: What helps you?

nancy53, thanks for the exercise link. I'm in bed for the night, watched it though, will do the exercises tomorrow.

My crp was 87 in the beginning, could hardly move in the morning, even using a cane was difficult.

Wondering if others are also experiencing "crashes" after mild exercise. I find that even easy walking can set me back for days - massive fatigue, 2-3 hour naps most days. I haven't had pain flare-ups in the usual PMR areas, but stiffness along my spine, ribs and low back.
It has been suggested by my Physio that I may also have ME/CFS. Is there a subset of patients that develop both conditions concurrently?

I wish I could get interested in yoga, and I've tried several times with different instructors but I just couldn't keep the interest to attend classes. I tried Pilates and loved it, I think because of the quicker pace (moving meditation?) I even became certified and taught. With PMR I've really had to step the intensity and time down to almost a beginner level, but the good news is that, at the beginner level, I'm still able to keep it up (same with barre classes). I had to have a "chat with myself" telling me that I'm not going backwards but instead to use this time to really perfect the movements and breathing.

Hi @khof,
Dr. Loren Fishman has a short yoga workout, posted on YouTube, "12 Poses vs Osteoporosis" and an ongoing study. The selected yoga poses increase bone density. It takes about 15 minutes, not long enough for me to get bored.
My level of physical activity has really taken a step back since the onset of PMR/GCA. The fact that I need a shoulder replacement doesn't help.
I manage a 25 minute walk with my husband most days, use a rebounder, and do Dr. Fishman's yoga. That's about it.
I'm with you. I think it's important to keep moving!

I alternate biking with Ying Yoga, gentle swimming aerobics, and walking on the beach, or on trails when I am in the mountains. Walking on concrete hurts my hips. A program on PBS- Eccentrics by Miranda Esmond White at 6am (I record) is 22 minutes of gentle stretching exercise. I am near a beach so taking of my shoes and walking in the sand feels really good. I think as long as you vary the exercise and take days in between works the best.

One year ago I started hiking with a backpack. I am 70. I have lost 30 lbs and dropped some of my meds. 3-4 weeks ago I was told I most likely have PMR. I have been through a pack of prednisone, bloodwork (twice now) two days off prednisone completely followed by a major flare up. Now I am back on 10 mg of prednisone. I have a scheduled meeting with a trainer tomorrow who is supposed to show me stretches and some light work with weights. Do any of you have any advice for me?

I would try to see a rheumatologist to confirm that you have PMR. There are other conditions that mimic PMR - 5 Diseases That Can Mimic Polymyalgia Rheumatica: https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-diseases/diseases-that-can-mimic-polymyalgia-rheumatica/

Just be careful and don't try to do too much. Prednisone and PMR can make your muscles and tendons weaker and less flexible. Also take lots of rest. At first you might only have energy every other day or one day out of three. But that improves over time.

Two different doctors have told me they think I have PMR. They have ruled out (by the bloodwork and my symptoms) the others five listed. My family doctor got me in to see an rheumatologist in another city. The first I could see one here locally was in October. I can get in to the rheumatologist he referred me to June 11th. I am trying to proceed the best I can from today until then. My mornings are tough, but I don’t want to lose any flexibility or muscle mass between now and my visit.

Thank you for the advice.