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Diagnosed with PMR 16 days ago.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 27, 2025 | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
Like you I was diagnosed with PMR around a similar time (July 7). Went to the GP as like all I just couldn't understand why I was so debilitated with moving and pain. GP expected PMR and arranged blood tests but not for another 2 days so I had to sit through some serious discomfort for a few days until the blood tests were done and medication was prescribed.
During those non medication days I took anywhere from 5 mins to 15 mins to get off the sofa. Weak and extreme pain. Doctor started me on 15mg Prednisolone. She implied I'd see big differences once started. She actually said I'd feel 100% better.
Needless to say I'm unsure if the dosage is high enough or if she's correct in her diagnosis... Although reading through your comments I presume she is as you all sound like you suffer as I do.
I notice for sure improvement since taking the meds 8 days ago now. Mornings definitely suck. Takes me around 90 mins to walk upright and be able to wash my hair without pain. But then as the day goes I get better and better. Feel almost pain free by afternoon and remain moderately pain free until bedtime around 10/11pm.
What I don't know is if it normal to still not have full range of motion in my hips for example. I can't pull my knees to my chest. Pain in the hip joint is too much. I struggle to bend over enough to easily put socks on? I obviously can get socks on but not like I'd consider a normal person does using both hands on one foot to guide the sock on.
Seems like my starting dose is pretty low and I'm wondering if those who have success feel normal in the sense like they did pre diagnosis? Appreciate maybe not the same energy or strength but... Can you put socks on without difficulty or pain haha?!
Replies to "Like you I was diagnosed with PMR around a similar time (July 7). Went to the..."
It took me a couple of weeks on prednisolone to feel much better. I recall complaining to my doctor after about a week that my symptoms were only 70% better and I had expected more. Around that time I also started splitting the dose, taking 2mg of the daily dose in the early evening with dinner, and that did relieve the morning pain.
So everyone is different and it can take a little time to come good. Some stiffness and minor aches can stay, and some of us don't have full range of motion, but the objective is to remove pain as much as possible, and to reduce inflammation. So you may not regain full range of motion immediately. I see some people go immediately for a higher dose, rather than waiting a little or splitting the dose. I'm glad I didn't go any higher. That would have meant a longer time reducing and tapering down, and more risk of bone deterioration.
Nature is a bell curve. One person’s PMR can and likely will be different or more severe than others. That is why the doctor needs to treat the patient where they are at. The 15 mg starting protocol is fine and may well work for a majority but for some the dose will need to be greater to get it under control. I’m a month in and am on 30mg and I’m sure it’s still lower than it should be (some mornings like yesterday I was quite compromised to the point that putting on my socks my challenge of the day🤣🥵.).
You are lucky to get a diagnosis so quickly! I suffered for 4 months until the second doctor recommended a rheumatologist. He started me at 10 mg and it took several weeks to get to 100% again. I asked about a higher dosage and he said to be patient. I’m glad I was because I shot past 100% and felt like superwoman until my taper reached 1.5 mg. I’ve been prednisone free for 6 months now and feel my age (70). But it’s way better than PMR and ibuprofin works for me again. Good luck!
I can identify with your comment about putting your socks on. When I first got PMR, I couldn’t come close to being able to reach my foot to put my socks on. Prednisone was a miracle for me. Within 24 hours I felt normal again. My doctor started me on a high dose then worked down over time. This was the way my rheumatologist at Cleveland Clinic treated me and for me, it was a life saver. My advice would be get to a rheumatologist quickly. Hopefully your PCP has sent you to one by now.
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"Seems like my starting dose is pretty low and I'm wondering if those who have success feel normal in the sense like they did pre diagnosis?"
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I once told my doctor that I felt "more normal" when I took prednisone. I will always remember how she responded. She said, "normal people don't need prednisone." For emphasis she added, "people who take prednisone to feel normal are not normal."
A sense of normality is what we wish for. However ... for the time we need prednisone ... things will not be completely normal.