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Anyone experiencing PMR Flareups caused by anxiety?

Posted by lindaadele @lindaadele, Apr 6, 2025

I have had an anxiety disorder for many many years which I get help for but it is extremely hard for me to control my anxiety and I kind of feel that whenever I have the most anxiety I get the most flareups. Does anyone else out there have the same experience? Any information you can give me would be very helpful!! thank you very much for any help you can give me!!!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 16, 2025
In reply to @zawadi "@johnbishop it has been almost 10 years since my diagnosis and I have done well except..." + (show)
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@johnbishop it has been almost 10 years since my diagnosis and I have done well except this year.
The last few months I have been on steroids.
The anxious feeling I get is draining me out. I feel like I should cry, but no tears.
I keep self soothing.
Am glad am not going banana

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Welcome @zawadi, 10 years is a long time. I also have PMR which has been active twice but it's now in remission for the second time. You mentioned being on steroids the last few months. Does that mean you were on a different treatment when you were first diagnosed or did the PMR just go into remission until the past few months?

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katenz | @katenz | Dec 17, 2025

When I first got diagnosed with PMR my physiotherapist told me to keep a diary of what caused it to get worse and it became apparent really early on that stress was one of my biggest contributors - but stress (and anxiety for me and obviously you too!) are part of life. So, as someone else has mentioned here, I try to keep expectations to a minimum and organise life so not too much is happening all at once if I can. Sounds boring but it helps keep a lid on things! And I find yoga and guided meditation really helpful too, I'm not sure if these are for everyone but they definitely help for me.

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caroljeand | @caroljeand | Dec 18, 2025
In reply to @katenz "When I first got diagnosed with PMR my physiotherapist told me to keep a diary of..." + (show)
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When I first got diagnosed with PMR my physiotherapist told me to keep a diary of what caused it to get worse and it became apparent really early on that stress was one of my biggest contributors - but stress (and anxiety for me and obviously you too!) are part of life. So, as someone else has mentioned here, I try to keep expectations to a minimum and organise life so not too much is happening all at once if I can. Sounds boring but it helps keep a lid on things! And I find yoga and guided meditation really helpful too, I'm not sure if these are for everyone but they definitely help for me.

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@katenz
I have learned to lower my expectations going through this disease. Every day is different, with different energy levels. I have learned to say “no” and have learned that it’s ok to cancel an event or appointment if I am not feeling up to it. It’s all a part of dealing with PMR and those around me understand because I’ve educated them on this disease. Especially hard around the holidays.

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lindaadele | @lindaadele | Dec 19, 2025
In reply to @caroljeand "@katenz I have learned to lower my expectations going through this disease. Every day is different,..." + (show)
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@katenz
I have learned to lower my expectations going through this disease. Every day is different, with different energy levels. I have learned to say “no” and have learned that it’s ok to cancel an event or appointment if I am not feeling up to it. It’s all a part of dealing with PMR and those around me understand because I’ve educated them on this disease. Especially hard around the holidays.

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@caroljeand thank you so very much for your comment!!! it was extremely helpful to me!!! you are absolutely right about everything you said in the comment!!! It was extremely helpful to me!!! wishing you a fantastic holiday!!! my very best wishes to you!!!

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gigilea | @gigilea | Dec 20, 2025

I was diagnosed with PMR in May 2025. I've had some anxiety my entire life but it got worse taking the higher doses of prednisone. Now I am taking 7.5 mg of prednisone daily and it's better.
I started several weeks ago taking low dose Cymbalta to help with anxiety and depression. Some people that have fibromyalgia take it for their pain and depression. I don't think or don't know if it will help with any pain but so far my depression seems a little better. My Dr. thinks it shouldn't be a problem to take low dose (30mg)

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lindaadele | @lindaadele | Dec 21, 2025

Wishing you the very very best going forward and have a fantastic holiday and new year!!!

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