PMR and Work

It's up to you whether to try a smaller split dose in the later part of the day to help with morning pain. A lot of us end up tweaking the dose and timing till it works, and sometimes the improvements are more gradual than we would like. And with every reduction there could be some small increase in morning aches which may take a week or so to resolve. Do you keep a daily note of the level of morning pain and aches you have, along with the current dose? I've found it useful to see what helps and what doesn't.

Thanks so much! The higher dose did clear the pain but my Rheumatologist is concerned about bad effects of prednisone. I see him tomorrow and am asking to slow the taper a bit. Thanks for your help.

Many Thanks! I do keep a pain journal of sorts.
I see my Dr tomorrow and am hopeful he will raise my dose back to 25 or 30, at least until I reduce my hours at work. We’ll see.
Thanks Again.

@neztrop - I was thinking of you on Ground Hog Day ! sorry for belated greetings ! Someone else also mentioned a classic film reference that PMR symprtoms makes one feel like the Tin Man.
How things are going well with work ! - nyxygirl

nyxygirl- Many Thanks- I hope you are well. Part time work is about all I can do - we'll see where that leads me....Every morning I can certainly relate to the Tin Man.
Take Care

New to this support group. I am full time physician and newly diagnosed age 58. Not close to retirement-really struggling with pain, fatigue, and how am going to keep working with this. Love-hate relationship with prednisone with how anxious it makes me. My poor nurses. My poor husband. Appreciate everyone’s comments above

@woodswoman

I appreciate the dilemma that you are having. As a physician, do you treat yourself or do you see a rheumatologist?

I was working as a nurse when I was diagnosed with PMR at the age of 52. I didn't retire until I was 62. I shared everything regarding prednisone and my medical problems with my nursing coworkers. The more I shared the more support and understanding I received. I was a private person so sharing my medical problems didn't come easy for me. Overall, my medical problems made me a better nurse. We need a doctor's perspective on this forum so feel free to share everything.

My nursing coworkers worried more about my Prednisone use and frequently asked me how much prednisone I was taking. It was odd ... but nobody knew much about PMR but they all knew about the adverse effects from Prednisone.

The medical input I received from my doctors was also indispensable.

@woodswoman
Welcome to the club. Only suggestion I have is to slowly but steadily taper to find a balance between anxiety and pain. Oh, and taper off the coffee if you partake in that elixir. I find escitalopram takes the edge off anxiety.

@woodswoman
56, early retired. If I had PMR I would have had to take a medical leave for a couple months at the onset.
It took 3 months to 'burn out' (as they say) and taper off prednisone. Hope the best for you.

Hi @neztrop, I read your post and can really relate. I was also diagnosed at 63 years old and was definitely not planning to retire until 67 to 70 years old but my PMR was so painful that I was unable to continue working after only a few months. I am not sure if you have discussed a biologic with your doctor but I strongly recommend that you at least have the discussion because that may help you to manage the pain. I was unable to take Kevzara but have had some improvement with Actemera.

I am very fortunate that I was in a position to retire, even 4years earlier than anticipated, but I am married to a man who has arduously planned for our retirement since we married over44 years ago. I am thankful every day that I retired 3 years ago (loved my career in public health but it was very stressful and likely responsible for at least a little elevated cortisol) because I have given myself the best chance to fully recover. Praying that you can make the best decision for your health and future. Blessings! ❤️