1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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PMR and Work

Posted by neztrop @neztrop, Jan 19 8:12am

I’m 63 and was planning on working until 67. My PMR started 4 months ago and my life has been upside down. I started at 50mg and now at 20mg. I force myself into my car and go to work. By about 1pm my body is mostly pain free. Everyday is Groundhogs Day and I’m not sure I can keep this up.
What have other people done to manage work and PMR?
Thanks

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woodswoman | @woodswoman | Oct 16 7:55pm
In reply to @dadcue "@woodswoman I appreciate the dilemma that you are having. As a physician, do you treat yourself..." + (show)
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@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.

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@dadcue - thank you so much for responding! I do see a rheumatologist and I did let my staff know I was on prednisone and to beware. It is a rare condition and many of my colleagues in primary care have only had a few patients with it in their career. Maybe it’s under diagnosed. Agree that going through illness like this makes me a better PCP. It’s hard because I can still walk and talk and look fine on the outside so I don’t think people get it unless they have had it. Appreciate everyone so much! Thank you!!!

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woodswoman | @woodswoman | Oct 16 7:59pm
In reply to @edwardh "@woodswoman Welcome to the club. Only suggestion I have is to slowly but steadily taper to..." + (show)
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@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.

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@edwardh - I really appreciate this advice- it confirms what I was considering except for the coffee part. I love coffee but I am sure you are right about it. Thank you so much!

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edwardh | @edwardh | Oct 16 9:02pm
In reply to @woodswoman "@edwardh - I really appreciate this advice- it confirms what I was considering except for the..." + (show)
Profile picture for woodswoman @woodswoman

@edwardh - I really appreciate this advice- it confirms what I was considering except for the coffee part. I love coffee but I am sure you are right about it. Thank you so much!

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@woodswoman

Mmmm, coffee. You should consider roasting coffee. It is a rewarding hobby, there are hundreds of single-origen coffees to explore. Having experienced PMR yourself will make you an asset to your clients. I was fortunate to have a PCP with a number of patients that had PMR and recognized my symptoms right away.

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