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

It sounds like you are on the right track. It's always worth asking because most people don't.
I have added anti-inflammatory foods and I think that helps some. If my body isn't working so hard to heal I do have more energy.

Thx, we are both on the same page.

Since I’ve been diagnosed I am always tired and no energy. Is this normal?

Would someone please explain to me about low cortisol, prednisone reduction, and ENERGY levels……
My prednisone is down to 5.5, less PMR symptoms, yet, less stamina.
Is this why I feel wiped out from activities?
Thx

What changes for diet??

Following a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, protein, anti-inflammatories like tart cherry juice, berries. And also staying away from sugar, alcohol, processed foods.
I already did most of these things pre-PMR, but really cleaned up my act in the last couple of months and I believe it has made a big difference. I'm even doing a light version of resistance training these days again. It feels so good!

I can relate to the original comment. I was diagnosed with PMR a little over two years ago. Up to that point had been very fit and healthy for my age. PMR really set me back, though I do think my baseline of health meant some of my symptoms weren't as severe as many others I read about. I just tapered to .5 mg of prednisone, and had a blood test the other day which shows my inflammation markers are well in the normal range which is good news. But my stamina has not recovered. I still keep very active, but can only do about 50% – 75% of what I used to do. I feel tired all the time. My rheumatologist doesn't want to check cortisol levels until I'm totally off prednisone. I was hoping by this point, being on such a low dose of prednisone, that I might be getting back to normal, but many other comments I read on this site lead me to think otherwise. I feel the loss of my energy and vitality.

It's been so helpful to read the posts and comments. I've learned so much from this group.

Once you get below 5-7 mg of daily - it varies for people - your adrenal function needs to start to kick back so that you get the correct amount of cortisol for daily needs. That is, the reduced prednisone dose is no longer supplying all the cortisol you need for your energy needs. After an extended period of steroid use, the adrenals can be slow to wake up and some adrenal insufficiency can occur until it all becomes balanced again. The length of time this takes varies for each person.

It does sound like you could have some adrenal insufficiency. At such a low level of 0.5 mg I'm surprised that your adrenal function can't be checked. It should have started to kick back in around 5 mg, so should be measurable to see if it's functioning well.

Pretty normal really. PMR makes you tired as your muscles are dealing with high levels of inflammation ( a little like having exercised too much even though you haven't). The prednisone helps in getting rid of the inflammation and assisting with energy levels. It's possible that you just need more time on your current dose to balance out or that your current dose may be a bit on the low side.