PMR and the taper

Thank you for the reply, John. My headaches have pretty much stopped since they put me on an antibiotic. Prior to that I had PMR symptoms + sore, feverish spots on scalp but not necessarily at my temples. I’ve never had a die run through my vascular system so hoping that happens sooner than later. I’ve turned the corner on my depression and anxiety so now just trying to dial in the prednisone and get rheumatologist appt setup. My regular Dr mentioned the possibility of PMR which adds up but slow going with the medical community on this one that they appear to know little about.

Thanks for the info I’ll ck it out.

I’m eating healthier than ever. Actually I’ve been gradually getting better ever since 2019 after a bad bout of Covid. First quit smoking, next lost 60 lbs and quit drinking 3 1/2 years ago. If what I truly have is PMR I think it started after the first round of Covid but it could have been earlier or even after my second bout in Sept of 2021. In the past it was always in my hips and back, girdling, but this event that started April 26 was all head, neck and shoulders. At its worst I told my wife it felt like I’d gone to the gym and did every upper body machine way too much. I went to my health and wellness doc about two weeks into this and had lost 5 lbs and gained 2 lbs of muscle. I told her whatever I had was making my body workout, lol. Fortunately, I’ve taken control with the help of pred and managing much better. Did a split dose last night and this morning, 5/10. So far so good! Started at 40 mg a couple weeks ago so headed in the right direction and sleeping, woohoo!

Yep, yoga starts Fri! I’m as stiff as a board so I’ll work into it slowly. I’m also going to start my chair exercises again but reduce the reps until I hone in on it. Rode my electric bike earlier this week for the first time since episode, felt good but used my assist more than normal which is ok. Maybe the best thing I’ve done recently is sit out on my deck in the sun and just chill! I’ve definitely got to get back to my happy place soon, beach bound!

Im new to the group and noticed that I was diagnosed with PMR on the exact same day as greysky..weird. I have been on predizone for 5 months ...started at 10 down to 5. Typical symptoms ...fatigue and a sort of foggy disorientation. I'm new so I'm just following along

Welcome @giantfan53, If I am reading your post correct, you were diagnosed with PMR on the same day as @greysky who started this discussion, last December 28th. You might find it helpful to scan through some of the other discussions in the PMR Support Group - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr/.

How are you doing with the tapering and managing the pain?

Thanks...I'm basically pain free since starting the steroids. But like most people with PMR my daily life has significantly changed. I have very low energy most days. But being and old man who is retired Im able to daily chores but at a much slower pace of living. One of my main concerns is explaing my " condition" to others and realizing that I am not the person that I used to be...someone to be counted on the be there when needed,,,but now I live day to day...which in some ways is liberating but in other ways I feel like im disapppinting to the othres who dont understand that some days I just cant do what I need to do...thanks

Hang in there. I went through that period of low energy and feeling generally terrible, but that has lifted. I’m not back 100% to pre-PMR, but have enough energy to walk, swim, bike and play with grandbabies. Still on l mg prednisone, but hoping to be off completely by fall when I have travel planned. Take care in all the ways you can, there are so many here with good advice to share who have also been through the rough stretches.

Reduced from 7.5mg prednisone to 5 mg, but I’ve had morning stiffness and pain on my upper torso and around my neck and rib cage. My doctor started me on methotrexate and I am up to eight tablets once a week I’ve only done it once so I don’t have anything to really gauge it by but I don’t want to increase my prednisone so I’m hoping the methotrexate will help
Any comments..

I’m on 8mg prednisone for 2 months, my dr told me to try and take 1/2 1 mg when tapering off. It seems to help a bit. She said it will take longer but will be better on your symptoms