1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

After "recovering" from PMR, still decreased strength/stamina

Posted by garibaldo88 @garibaldo88, May 6 11:06am

I had a relatively brief bout of PMR, all pain gone and inflammation markers back to normal after only a few months of prednisone and sulfasalazine. (Yes, I DO know how fortunate I am!)
This recovery was almost 2 yrs ago, but I have not been able to regain my pre-PMR level of fitness despite exercising just and hard and frequently as before. I'm a very fit 65 yr old male, and I wouldn't really care about not being being able to regain my pre-PMR strength and stamina, but I row competitively so the drop-off is quite noticeable when I'm racing (and LOSING!) against other serious athletes.
Anybody else have a similar experience, or advice on how to train in my post-PMR world?

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

kaljean | @kaljean | May 9 5:48am

How's your T levels? My husband feels stronger with testosterone boost.

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lindaadele | @lindaadele | May 9 12:18pm
In reply to @megz "Your hands and arms look exactly like mine. I have the thin transparent skin and bulging..." + (show)
@megz

Your hands and arms look exactly like mine. I have the thin transparent skin and bulging veins caused by prednisone too. And it's spooky when we make a fist how we can see the white knuckle bones just below the skin. It's a new body awareness when you can see through the skin to the workings underneath... eeek.

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I can relate to your comments 100%!!! my arms have bulging veins and my skin is super Duper thin after taking prednisone. Best of luck to you going forward!!!

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eby | @eby | May 10 8:29am

Hi , Been on Prednisone since June 2024 15 mg now down to 5 mg . but looks like I am stuck on 5mg for at least 3-4 months. did anyone else have that? feeling alright especially when compared to the pain in the beginning, my CRP is 0.9 stuck at the same level for at least 4 months . the Dr did not recommend to reduce ( as he did in the beginning of the treatment. )Did anyone else experience this? did anyone's CRP go down to normal? worried about the side effects of this prednisone.

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1 reply
kpoesch | @kpoesch | May 10 5:18pm
In reply to @jiffaw "My PMR is in remission, I guess, after only one year. However, the condition and the..." + (show)
@jiffaw

My PMR is in remission, I guess, after only one year. However, the condition and the medication aged me about ten years. My skin is very thin and crepey with lots of purple spots and prominent veins and tendons. I move slower and get tired faster. I lost lots of hair, which is now just starting to grow back now that I’m off the meds. I still have to be very careful with my diet or I’ll wake up stiff and aching.

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I had Covid in 2020. It resulted in the skin you described plus Rosasea. 5 years later. I now developed PMR. I really don't think my skin can get any worse. Trying to get off prednisone. Down to 5mg. On Kevzara, 4th dose. Going to try to taper Prednisone further as Kevzara seems to be helping. Have changed my diet and am getting PT and OT to regain strength. Here's hoping...

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wfroslansky | @wfroslansky | May 12 6:04am
In reply to @eby "Hi , Been on Prednisone since June 2024 15 mg now down to 5 mg ...." + (show)
@eby

Hi , Been on Prednisone since June 2024 15 mg now down to 5 mg . but looks like I am stuck on 5mg for at least 3-4 months. did anyone else have that? feeling alright especially when compared to the pain in the beginning, my CRP is 0.9 stuck at the same level for at least 4 months . the Dr did not recommend to reduce ( as he did in the beginning of the treatment. )Did anyone else experience this? did anyone's CRP go down to normal? worried about the side effects of this prednisone.

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Better to be stuck at 5 than 10. It may just take a little longer than you had hoped.

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tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | May 13 3:37pm

79 yrs old. I am 13 months post PMR diagnosis. Been on Kevzara a month and prednisone is down to 5.5 mg weaning off of it. CPR and SED are great. My stamina and energy level are not half what they were. I work out, have a trainer who deals with my body mobility and movement issues. I used to walk, hike and walk the golf course (don’t carry my golf bag) 15-18 miles a week with no follow up down time. Now it’s 3 miles and body done and dusted.
Anyone else? Suggestions? Thx

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1 reply
tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | May 13 3:38pm

PS: I do play golf, just don’t carry my bag.

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pdxmac | @pdxmac | May 14 10:20am
In reply to @tweetypie13 "79 yrs old. I am 13 months post PMR diagnosis. Been on Kevzara a month and..." + (show)
@tweetypie13

79 yrs old. I am 13 months post PMR diagnosis. Been on Kevzara a month and prednisone is down to 5.5 mg weaning off of it. CPR and SED are great. My stamina and energy level are not half what they were. I work out, have a trainer who deals with my body mobility and movement issues. I used to walk, hike and walk the golf course (don’t carry my golf bag) 15-18 miles a week with no follow up down time. Now it’s 3 miles and body done and dusted.
Anyone else? Suggestions? Thx

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Have you tried changing your diet? It's not a magic bullet, but it does help

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2 replies
tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | May 14 10:53am
In reply to @pdxmac "Have you tried changing your diet? It's not a magic bullet, but it does help" + (show)
@pdxmac

Have you tried changing your diet? It's not a magic bullet, but it does help

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Not sure what you mean.
I eat “clean and very healthy” and have for 20yrs.
Any suggestions?

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