Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story

Posted by Ethan McConkey, Moderator @ethanmcconkey, Dec 18, 2019

Welcome to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

Meet other members who are dealing with PMR. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with PMR, coping with the challenges and offering tips.We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Grab a cup of coffee or beverage of choice and let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What's your experience with PMR? How are you doing today?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Mike | @dadcue | Dec 30, 2025

In reply to @caroljeand "@dadcue Great information… thanks!!" + (show)

@caroljeand

Medicare Part B pays 80% and with one of the better supplements ...100% of the cost of an Actemra infusion should be paid. I'm not sure how the Advantage Plans cover the cost.

caroljeand | @caroljeand | Dec 30, 2025

In reply to @dadcue "@caroljeand Medicare Part B pays 80% and with one of the better supplements ...100% of the..." + (show)

@dadcue
I have Medicare advantage so I guess we’ll see.

sharon44r | @sharon44r | Dec 31, 2025

In reply to @caroljeand "@gem3850 I am convinced my gut issues are due to the prednisone. Seeing a gastroenterologist today..." + (show)

@caroljeand definitely effects stomach. Are you taking it with food?

caroljeand | @caroljeand | Dec 31, 2025

In reply to @sharon44r "@caroljeand definitely effects stomach. Are you taking it with food?" + (show)

@sharon44r
Definitely with food, with breakfast. Additionally drink kefir when taking the prednisone. Pills go down very easily with kefir.
Gastroenterologist felt that I was fine taking pantoprazole before lunch and famotidine at bedtime. Seems to help a lot.

trina24 | @trina24 | Dec 31, 2025

I have had PMR for over 1 yr. Could not get out of bed
My Primary gave me Predisone referred me to Rheumatoligist
I coujd nit take Predisone
I have been on Actemra infusions for 1 yr. It has helped.
Trina( Theresa)

pah17 | @pah17 | Jan 10 9:12pm

In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @tinman2020, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @colleenyoung and others...." + (show)

@johnbishop It's interesting to meet you here since you've been most helpful in the neuropathy group. I may be starting a new journey now with PMR in addition to small fiber neuropathy (also, a fib, but that's another story). I will the diet and lifestyle changes. My daughter is urging the Mediterranean diet.

gem3850 | @gem3850 | 3 days ago

In reply to @johnbishop "Mainly a physical exam by a great rheumatologist and blood tests along with SED rate and..." + (show)

@johnbishop you are very lucky, I was given the PA and she really has me screwed up….dont know what to do next!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 2 days ago

In reply to @gem3850 "@johnbishop you are very lucky, I was given the PA and she really has me screwed..." + (show)

@gem3850, Sorry to hear that you are still struggling with treatment for your PMR and your doctor doesn't seem to be helping. I think you mentioned earlier that you tried to get an appointment with a new rheumatologist but were not able to see anyone else. Are you able to seek a second opinion at a teaching hospital or major health facility?