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Hi Im just curious SED and CRP rates were when you went into remission? I started having pain in September 2024 and was diagnosed in December. My rheumatologist started me at 4 mg of prednisone which immediately took my pain away. I never had to go higher than 4 mg. I have just recently started to taper slowly and I’m down to between 2 and 3 mg switching off every couple days. Next week I will start on 2 mg and stay that way for a week or so before I taper down further. I go tomorrow for bloodwork and I’m hoping that my rates show So far, (fingers crossed) I remain pain free. I’ve read so many stories on here where people have started so much higher on their prednisone dosage. It makes me really question if PMR was the correct diagnosis for me. I totally 100% trust my rheumatologist, he’s amazing. But I still wonder being my story is not similar to anyone else else’s if this was my actual diagnosis.
Replies to "Hi Im just curious SED and CRP rates were when you went into remission? I started..."
Hi, I’ve had a longer time of PMR, but have only been on prednisone for 6 months. I used Aleve for pain initially, wanting to avoid prednisone. I started having more issues, and my rheumatologist started me on 5mg of prednisone. I’m weaning very slowly, down to 2mg now and ready to drop to 1 mg. My last SED and CRP were both in normal range, so the dose is appropriate for me. Good luck, hoping you continue to do well!
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I was disgnosed with PMR in Oct 2023, after ruling out with testing several other conditions that can mimic PMR (e.g. lupus, RA), and noting that I responded quickly to prednisone (initially 20, then increased to 30 when 20 did nothing for four days). Check this out :
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-mimic-polymyalgia-rheumatica
My SED at that time was 75. By mid Jan 24, I had tapered to 10, and my SED was 9. (Normal SED is < 20).
I am reluctant to suggest that you question your diagnosis, but if it isnt PMR you perhaps should not be on prednisone. I would ask how other possibilities were ruled out. After all, the starting dose in literature for PMR is like 15 or even more with severe symptoms. I do not recall anyone else here being started on less, but maybe your doc knows something that fits your situation.
Become knowledgeable, ask questions, and be your own advocate, remembering that PMR can be problematic to diagnose and deal with. Good luck !