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Off Prednisone but still feeling new type of pain
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (78)Comment receiving replies
@dadcue thank you! You hit the nail on the head! ‘Pain for no reason’ is what I struggle with.
It’s in my nature to want to fix things and seek perfection so this is driving me crazy. Plus I’m spending way too much money on doctors and tests and I need to stop.
Sounds like you have a good doctor. I went to 3 different Rheumatologists and for some reason they never wanted to offer me any of the Biologics even when I asked. they only mentioned methotrexate which I always declined.
Best to you!
Replies to "@dadcue thank you! You hit the nail on the head! ‘Pain for no reason’ is what..."
@abbeyc
I menti9ned I am on the biological Kevzara, because prednisone was not working .
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@abbeyc
One of the criteria for me to get approved for a biologic was because "all other options had failed." My rheumatologist emphasized that methotrexate had also failed. Maybe you should try methotrexate.
When my rheumatologist sought authorization for Actemra, I got the impression that Actemra would never have been approved had I not already failed methotrexate.
Biologics for PMR were viewed as the "last resort" when I started on one. Now there are several biologics that have been FDA approved for PMR so it is easier. Some doctors still insist on Prednisone first and then methotrexate. The mentality is that Prednisone is still the "only option" for PMR.
I was always willing to try almost anything that my rheumatologist suggested. I had the same one for nearly 15 years until I retired. We didn't always agree but we had a good relationship. We both kept a sense of humor when something didn't work or when I didn't follow her directions "precisely."