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How to address PMR pain while decreasing prednisone
I have been diagnosed w poly myalgia rheumatica (pmr). Am taking 5 mg of predisone, was taking 10mg.
Every time I go on a low dose, symptoms come back. I can't take pain meds, but do drink wine to ease pain, although I'm told no alcohol w prednisone. Anything you can share as far as info
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It sounds like fibromyalgia and you can manage ir in some ways which I did it ten years ago, saying goodbye to it. Take care of you
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1 ReactionHello @ewada, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing. Are you able to tell us a little bit more about yourself and how you were able to manage your treatments?
I've had two episodes of PMR but thankfully it went into remission both times after being treated with prednisone. I was able to taper off of prednisone after 3 years the first time and about a 1 and half years the second time.
John
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1 ReactionExactly. I refused the injection and the pills. I am not saying that I do not have body pain, but I treat it with walking. I truly believe they misdiagnosed me with RA.
My sister has had PMR for two years. Started out at 40 mg of prednisone. Now down to 1mg but pain is getting bad. Her neck is one of her sorest spots. Living with chronic pain is so hard.
She has seen rheumatologists in her area (Northern MN) but not a lot of help. Does anyone know of a doctor at the Mayo in Rochester that deals well with PMR?
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1 ReactionHello @paulamhp -- Welcome to Connect. I also have PMR but it's now in remission. I was diagnosed at Mayo Clinic Rochester by Dr. Thomas Osborne...really good experience for me to have him for my rheumatologist. I think pretty much any doctor in Rheumatology department would be OK as they work as a team when dealing with difficult cases. Here's a link with all of the ones available in Rochester:
Rheumatology - Doctors
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/rheumatology/minnesota/doctors
It may just be a matter of increasing the dosage by 1 mg prednisone. I've had 2 occurrences of PMR and when tapering off of prednisone both times I bounced back and forth between 1 and 2 mg dosage then between 1 mg and 1/2 mg until I was finally able to stop taking it and the pain didn't come back. Dr. Osborne was the one that really helped me come up with a tapering plan when I first was diagnosed with PMR.
John
Dear Texas freedom , sorry your sister has this very debilitating thing called PMR......I think John has put it in a nutshell ....
My name is Beryl and I have been unlucky enough to have PMR for a long time as has John...
I am on a low dose now and am doing so much better.....I think if you can follow Johns advice
you will be looked after very well and will feel very much more in control of the situation......good luck
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2 ReactionsI was just diagnosed withPMR today. I am 68 y/o. Came on over night. Been good to read how you all have done. It really helps
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1 ReactionHi @susie1950, welcome to Connect. I too have PMR but it is currently in remission. I'm glad you found this discussion. There are a lot of members that have shared their PMR story and experiences.
Did your doctor or rheumatologist start you on prednisone?
John
I have the same diagnosis along with heart issues. I have the same thing happen to me when I go below 10mg of prednisone. I drink wine every night, 1 or 2 glasses. The pain in my hips and neck is unbearable at times.
Yes. 40mg for 2 days than dropped me to 25mg today. I woke up stiff again. We will see how I do on 25mg. Having all this background from others sharing makes it less scary. I am very active and not being able to go mow my lawn is hard on me