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Anyone successfully treating PMR without Prednisone?
I am in severe pain with soreness aching in shoulders, upper back, both hips and now headache. I am starting to get some numbness in both hips. I was treated for GCA several years ago starting at 60mg prednisone. Within 6 months I was down to 5mg then a flare so doctor put me back up to 80mg but quickly got me down to 20mg. I continued tapering over the following 6months then off. I had some lasting side effects and watching for in infections from dental work so I am very fearful of taking Prednisone again. This came on gradually over the past month. I called my Rheumatologist to ask if Plaquenil or Methotrexate would hep but he insist this is from long standing Fibromyalgia due to labs normal for inflammation. I can barely walk, stand up or turn over in bed. Taking 400mg Gabepentin daily as Dr recommends. No help. I have never had this severe pain from Fibromyalgia. My husband came down, suddenly, with PMR about 10 years ago with symptoms like I now have. His gradually cleared with Plaquenil and Methotrexate. Has anyone had success treating this type pain with OTC meds such as Omega or Bromelain or anything else?
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@prettypatti76 I feel your pain. I was 110Ib before PMR, down to 103Ib at on set of PMR. Now it is back to 110lb. I do not worry too much about my waistline. It is my drooping eyelids made me sad. That was another curse from that devil drug. I try to do yoga and walking to keep myself fit. Prednisone pulled me into osteopenia category. At least I can live without prednisone now. Best wishes for your speedy recovery.
I have taken prednisone, methotrexate, kevzara, and humira - all without any pain relief at all. My shoulder bones are being eaten away (reverse total shoulder replacement-left on 10/29/25) and now my right shoulder needs replacement as well. Kick started when I had a shingles sot 18 months ago.
Today I will return once again to my rheumatologist to convince them yes, I do have RA/PMR. I need drugs (just been on Aleve and Tylenol Xtra since 7/21/25. I have begged for Rinvoq but doctors don’t want me on it because of the black box warnings.
I wish you well and will be praying for your relief.
@nm11643 Thank you for your good wishes, and I wish the same or you. Because the devil drug messes with our immune system, I got an eye infection from an unknown origin, underwent an emergency Vitrectomy, and am now partially blind in that eye. Be careful.
Oh no. Patti, I am sorry. In August 2024, two months after my shingles shot, while on prednisone I developed conjunctivitis and an internal stye. Second eye became infected also. I looked like a Halloween monster. Now, my eyes and area are tender and I watch carefully for GCA. I’ve worn hard contact lenses since 1961 and still wear them but not as long each day.
@prettypatti76 I am so sorry to learn what you had gone through. That was terrible. Thanks for the warning. I pray for your recovery, with hope for the miracle.