PMR Remission

Sadly ... other than lifestyle changes ... there doesn't seem like there is much you can do. Even lifestyle changes may not be enough.

If PMR is anything like my other autoimmune disorders ... there are several scenarios that may happen:
#1 The autoimmune flare might be a one time occurrence and never happen again.

#2 The flare might recur and have a recurring pattern but hopefully not very often.

#3 The flares might recur often and then it is called "relapsing" or "refractory" or otherwise becomes a chronic condition that may never go away. Then you might need lifelong treatment.
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Since you were able to taper off Prednisone so soon -- that is a good sign. Long term Prednisone creates additional problems.

I wasn't so fortunate when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. My first flare did resolve quickly --- literally one big dose of prednisone.

About 5 years later, I had my first relapse. Then my relapses recurred more frequently until now my rheumatologist thinks I will need lifelong treatment. Fortunately I'm not being treated with Prednisone anymore. My hope is that I can go back to a "sustained remission" or stage #2. I would like not to need treatment while I stay in remission.

I went through each stage as listed above. Some people may stay in one stage and with any luck - the first stage. For the time being ... congratulations for getting off Prednisone so soon..

I have blurred vision from epiretinal membranes (scar tissue on both retinas). The blurred vision came on suddenly and at the same time as the PMR body aches late October 2024. I have been thoroughly checked, examined, tested and do not have Giant Cell Arteritis. I think the blurred vision is associated with PMR caused by a short bout of inflammation of blood supply arteries to the eye, but that does not seem to be fully supported medically. The scar tissue on the retina can be removed via surgery, but I have opted to live with the blurred vision. Has anyone experience blurred vision (permanent) with PMR but without GCA? JED

I don't have GCA to my knowledge but certainly PMR. My vision is slightly blurred but mostly only one eye. I have a long history of recurring uveitis which is another autoimmune disorder that affects my eyes but mostly my left eye.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734
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I have signs of scarring in various places throughout my eye because my whole eye can get inflamed. Multiple structures within my eye including the optic nerve can be involved. When that happens it is called panuveitis.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/panuveitis

Lifestyle is the key. Stay active without overdoing exercise. Get enough quality regular sleep. Mediterranean diet is key. Limit alcohol.
Have your doctor check your cardiovascular risk profile.
I suggest vitamin D, turmeric, CoQ10, melatonin and
stevia instead of sugar as good anti-inflammatory
supplements. We can’t avoid all the triggers of autoimmunity but check your CRP with regular
health encounters. You should have a good prognosis
since you are health proactive.

There seems to be no rhyme nor reason to PMR recurrence. I had my first episode seventeen years ago. It went into remission and did not recur for thirteen years. I have been in my second remission for four years. When the rheumatologist dismissed me after my latest episode, his parting advice was to be careful of exercise and avoid climbing stairs if possible to help prevent a relapse.

I’d say avoid stress but the reality is stress finds us. The only thing we can control is how we respond to it. My first bout with PMR was triggered by the death of my husband. It took 18 months to get to remission. I try to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine but for me the key is trying to manage my response to circumstances outside of my control.

So far so good but I am also slowly rearranging my life so that a relapse won’t force me to make drastic unplanned changes.

I was on a very similar path. About 7 months to off prednisone. I had two relapses the first year. I too had refined my diet, tried to reduce stress, and continued to exercise. Since they have almost no idea what causes PMR particularly as a general diagnosis, I think it will be hard to determine and put off another flare with any degree of certainty. I think your doing the right things. Whatever your trigger point was maybe its done. Mine has been four years now with no flares. I recognized the flares as very similar to the PMR. I took a 7 day pack of prednisone both times and the pain was gone. I am not suggesting that as a treatment plan but I was able to work with my PA and try it.

Hi. Paul here. I was diagnosed with PMR at 56 last February. I tapered off prednisone by October. My inflammatory numbers were good and I was declared in remission. I still wake up stiff in the shoulders and hips and have pain and I suffer from immobility. I was very athletic before this started. How can my inflammatory numbers be so good if I still feel like crap? When will I feel like myself again?

Hello @phogan0609, You will notice that we merged your discussion with an existing one on the same topic. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion where you can read the experiences of others on PMR remission.
-- PMR Remission: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-remission/

I think it's still possible to have PMR with normal inflammatory markers. It sounds like you might not really be in remission or possibly have something else going on? My PMR is in remission but I still am stiff in the mornings until I start moving around. You mentioned you are still having shoulder and hip pain and problems with mobility. Have you discussed the pain with your rheumatologist or doctor?

@phogan0609
I had my first PMR when I was 50, practicing a lot of sports. I took 3 months prednisone and when my reumatologist prescribed me only 2 mg for another month I decided to quit taking it.
I never returned to the old (active) me,..felt very stiff every day and worse in the morning. It did get better after 3,5 to 4 years. Playing golf with less pain and stiffness is when I realized I was getting better.
Now I’m back in the middle of a PMR flare after 9 years (59) and I’m taking 15mg of prednisone. For me personally I think stress has been the trigger both times. I also changed my diet to less sugar, no alcohol and more fruit. What PMR can do to your quality of life 🙁