1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Working out with PMR

Posted by mwarrior @mwarrior, Feb 9 9:02am

I'm a newbie to PMR and glad I found this forum. I have so many questions. I'm around the corner from 69 years old and was diagnosed on Dec 17, 2024. For months I kept thinking, I'm not stretching enough, I need to whip this by working out a little harder. My inner Rocky Balboa has always kept me in reasonably good shape through other geezerly challenges. Before tapering I was feeling great but now it seems whenever I have a great workout, later that day the pain ratchets up. My wife tells me to moderate but that's not in my psyche. Am I damaging things more by enjoying a good hard workout? Should I back down? Will I be sorry I push too hard?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Howdy! | @kereno | 22 hours ago
In reply to @tuckerp "At least for me, the longer term effects of prednisone are worth the short term "over..." + (show)
@tuckerp

At least for me, the longer term effects of prednisone are worth the short term "over thinking". The quicker you can understand this disease and the effects prednisone has your system or the disease the better. Your doing a great job. Keep after it.

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Thanks for the encouragement! I needed that.

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susanalka | @susanalka | 20 hours ago

I am relatively new to PMR. I was diagnosed by my PCP just 3 months ago. I started with prednisone 10mg and and tapering now, down to 8mg. I have some stiffness in my legs and soreness in my arms but it’s not unbearable. I have been reading comments and am somewhat confused, trying to figure out what I’m really up against at almost 73 yrs. I don’t want to be on prednisone forever, I not sure what it’s doing to my body and brain at this age. It has helped so far but the thought of being dependent on thie drug is scary to say the least. I exercise regularly and just push through the soreness. I take vitamins and try to eat healthy. I welcome any advice members can offer. Thanks, this group is a lifesaver

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verversannjudy | @verversannjudy | 16 hours ago

I was diagnosed with PMR in Oct., 2023. Started me on 20 mg. prednisone in Nov. 2023 thru Dec. 2024 Every time I tried to wean down to six mg., I would relapse (weaning was 1 mg every 4 weeks). Rheumatologist talked me into Actemra infusion, along with prednisone - which allowed me to wean down faster. I could wean down 1 mg every 2 weeks, instead of 4 weeks. I am off the prednisone (which my rheumatologist encouraged - as it is a steriod) as of Dec. 2024. Now, just on Actemra infusion once a month for 12 months....could be longer....we do not know. No side effects for me. Takes about one hour. Actemra is not a steriod. I believe the prednisone and the PMR compromises the joints/muscles. I have taken two big falls since Dec. 2024 and now, March 5, 2025. I feel strong and okay when I walk.....I just don't have the strength to recover from tripping/off balance....and fall. I am in PT, which I am hoping it will help with strength. Judy - age 81

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