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PMR/GCA

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 8 7:46am | Replies (11)

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Hi @tarafergusongould, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having to go through this horrible experience. May I ask what tapering schedule you are on and do you still experience pain related to the GCA as you’re in the tapering process? I get very frustrated with having a few days that are relatively pain free and then seem to regress to jaw or head pain for awhile. I still have episodes of visual auras sometimes.
I have been involved in this process for 10 months and I am 80 years old.
I wish for only the best outcome for you!
Thank you for any help or advice you can offer.

Doc

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Replies to "Hi @tarafergusongould, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having to go through this horrible experience. May..."

Doc, I have been under treatment for GCA and PMR for 12 months. I started at 60 mg of prednisone per day, and stayed there for 6 weeks. I have tapered over the past year to get down to 2 mg per day. I hope to be finished with prednisone in about 5 weeks. I have also been taking weekly Actemra injections for 10 months, and I will continue to take them for at least a few more years (I assume). I haven't had any pain or symptoms at all from the GCA or PMR during the past year. I think that is from the combination of prednisone and Actemra and a relatively slow taper. I can provide more information about my taper if you're interested. I'm 71 years old.