Want to start over

It may cause a flare if you stop suddenly. Best to taper
long term prednisone slowly
Did the doctors give you any numbers from your CBC
or liver function tests?
I agree the Relafen is not for your problem with renal compromise. Is their a nephrologist on your case?

You say you've worked at silversmithing. Have you ever been tested for cadmium and other toxic chemicals used in silversmithing? Some can affect bones and kidneys, which you may know.
https://www.ganoksin.com/article/potentially-harmful-metalsmithing-substances/

@seniormed liver is fine. I do have a nephrologist I saw once for the urine tests and Ultrasound. I messaged her about the NSAID, but haven’t heard back. My PCP responded and cc’d the Rheumy saying he highly recommends I don’t take the NSAID’s but he deferred to prescribing doctor. The Rheum replied that he agrees with my PCP.
Then no contact. Has not responded to me not to take the med. honestly, I want to give up and just go to bed.
Terri

@megz hadn’t even thought seriously about this. Thank you for the link, will take a look at this.

I can understand wanting to start over. Not an uncommon response to being overwhelmed and then not getting the help you need. Your PCP is a place to find a foundation and anchor. Although not specialists, having a "ring leader" is important. Mine has acted as the principle care giver with my PMR. She is a nurse practitioner and has seen over a dozen PMR cases in the last decade. Everyone (patients with PMR) is different and she feels like a good home base for me because she hears me and knows that everyone is different. I suggest you rely heavily on that PCP for your care. Also, remember, you know yourself better than anyone else. Many on this forum realize that we need to be our own advocate and director of our care. You can do this. A rheumatologist is not required to deal with PMR. In addition, Megz on this forum had a great idea about the toxins that you could look into (Cadmium, mercury, etc). As an ex-house painter I too have looked into these. The other person who suggested a nephrologist was spot-on too. Have that discussion with the PCP as your "hub" and the "spokes" that should go out to other specialists. Good luck and we are thinking about you.

Absolutely agree. Everybody needs an health advocate to push for correct answers to serious, difficult and evasion questions. Also, while not specialized in PMR, your PCP is a great choice leader for your PMR battle campaign, and it is a battle.

100% agreement with other posters. You might want to ask about the IL-6 blockers. I was put on Actmera after I requested it at the 18-month marker of my disease. Methotrexate didn't harm me but it wasn't helping either. I couldn't get below 10 mg. I'm currently at the 25th month, and down to 6 mg.
You might also want to look into Fosamax for your osteoporosis. I have it as well, and that has helped keep my bone density stable.

Don’t cease the pred suddenly. While it may it may cause a flare it is also likely to lead to adrenal insufficiency which is dangerous.
Methotrexate toxicity is also very dangerous if it occurs, so it was a good call to remove that medication. Has your bone density been checked to see if the steroids have made it worsen. It is a terribly frustrating illness.
One thing about it being fibromyalgia is that steroids wouldn’t help with the pain, if so that would easily demonstrated and the doctor should know that. Good luck with it all.

So sorry to hear about your recent struggles. I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3a CKD. Kidney problems are serious mainly because there is no way to reverse the damage done to kidneys. You can influence the future and the rate of decline, but there is no way to reverse it. Please ask your PCP for referral to a nephrologist ASAP. Then let the nephrologist take the lead on the drugs you are allowed to take. Immediately eliminate all NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Tylenol is it for OTC pain help. Tell your doctor to report you as allergic to Aspirin/NSAID, tell your pharmacy also. My nephrologist did some research for me around an antibiotic I needed. They can help you decide on the best drug for the purpose.

Diet is also a very important part kidney health. If possible give up refined sugar - it will also help with your PMR because sugars simply feed inflammation in your system. Control you salt intake and monitor your blood pressure since elevated blood pressure is a common cause for kidney damage. I will be seeing a CKD diet specialist soon to help me understand what I need to do diet-wise to control potassium, protein, sugar, salt and other nutritional considerations. Kidney problems can be managed and you do have control. I am finding it takes a lot of self-discipline. My nephrologist has me see her twice a year plus seeing her nurse practitioner twice a year, plus seeing their diet specialist twice a year. Half of the visits are telehealth. Tests run every 90 days, so I cannot go too far off the tracks without being caught. They also watch my thyroid levels as well.