Connect
← Return to PMR without ever taking prednisone
Discussion
PMR without ever taking prednisone
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed with PMR about 3 or 4 years ago. I had muscle weakness and pain all over 24/7. My CRP and other inflammatory markers were through the roof. At the same time, I was seeing a doctor for weight loss who used an anti-inflammatory diet and exercise approach. So, I used the dietary approach and aquatic exercise instead of steroids to manage my PMR. I also believe in the healing power of prayer. So, after a year, the PMR went into remission, and I also lost the weight I wanted. I still eat healthy for the most part. I check my CRP regularly, and it has remained within normal limits. Obesity and consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods are big factors in causing inflammation. Taking steroids for me was not the solution. Too many negatives with those drugs. I also later developed an autoimmune skin disease unrelated, but declined steroid treatment, and it's being managed well by my dermatologist. This isn't the approach for everybody, but it's working for me.
Replies to "I was diagnosed with PMR about 3 or 4 years ago. I had muscle weakness and..."
Connect
Yes, unfortunately not for everybody. I wish diet and exercise could be the panacea. I was on a low carb, low sugar, no alcohol clean food diet for 3 years prior to PMR hitting, and exercised regularly: lost the middle-age spread, blood pressure and cholesterol down to normal and stable, was back within BMI. On check-ups, the doctor used to tell me the blood test results were some of the best he'd seen for the age group. Then PMR hit out of the blue and there was nowhere to go but steroids to get rid of the excruciating muscular pain and reduce the exceedingly high CRP rate (over 100 at the peak). The only changes left to make to the diet were to add in some more low inflammatory food based supplements like turmeric, fish oil, and blue berries. I still think an improved diet offers huge benefits when taking large amounts of steroids: my blood test results after two years are not showing some of the more common side effects.
In summary, I'd probably say that diet and exercise lead to general health gains beyond expectations but haven't done anything to alleviate PMR or reduce the duration of the illness to date. Bur it has helped with steroid side-effects.