1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
Profile picture for zirbellm

New PMR diagnosis

Posted by zirbellm @zirbellm, 3 days ago

Recently diagnosed with PMR and waiting to see Rheumatology (first available March 2026; on the cancellation list.) Not a club any of us would join voluntarily, but yet here we are.

I started on Prednisone 10 mg daily. From your experiences, how long did it take for you to feel some relief? Mornings are brutal, then slowly improve to semi-tolerable by mid afternoon. Dread going to bed at night but also very fatigued.

Already I've started the anti-inflammatory diet and had been taking appropriate supplements prior to onset; now adding on Calcium / Vit D. Finding temporary relief with heat.

Any other suggestions / recommendations as I navigate this new path? I'm also accustomed to being very physically active, so not sure what to do that won't exacerbate the pain. Thank you, in advance, for your time!

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

Profile picture for jeff97
jeff97 | @jeff97 | 3 days ago

10 mg is low for a starting dose of prednisone. 12.5 to 20 is more typical, and some people even start at 30. You might need a higher starting dose if your symptoms are not being resolved.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for zirbellm
zirbellm | @zirbellm | 3 days ago
In reply to @jeff97 "10 mg is low for a starting dose of prednisone. 12.5 to 20 is more typical,..." + (show)
Profile picture for jeff97 @jeff97

10 mg is low for a starting dose of prednisone. 12.5 to 20 is more typical, and some people even start at 30. You might need a higher starting dose if your symptoms are not being resolved.

Jump to this post

Thank you; much appreciated.

REPLY
Profile picture for tweetypie13
tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | 3 days ago

Also, I found that splitting my dose helped…2/3 am and 1/3 pm or 50/50.

REPLY
Profile picture for tuckerp
tuckerp | @tuckerp | 2 days ago

I agree with Jeff. I started on 20mg and kicked it in about 4 hours. I went back immediately to my old self. At about 12 days I was able to taper to 10mg within a couple of days and had some slight pain but I could manage. I stayed at 10mg for the next 5 months. I dont think there is a one size fits all but it sounds like your starting dose is not enough. Due to the issues with steroids you should try to reduce to your lowest possible dose. If 20mg works then try 15mg or 12mg. You will find a comfortable spot.

REPLY
Profile picture for seniormed
seniormed | @seniormed | 2 days ago

Good to be involved and get educated at the onset. Know your lab results.
It is appropriate to start around 20 mg prednisone daily. In the event you are on steroids long term Suggest checking BP and weights weekly.
Know your cardiovascular risk profile is increased with systemic inflammation. Ask your rheum consultant about Dexascan baseline.
Get fasting glucose and A1c at intervals. Take your prednisone with food
and I took famotidine antacid combo and melatonin 5mg at bedtime.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for zirbellm
zirbellm | @zirbellm | 2 days ago
In reply to @seniormed "Good to be involved and get educated at the onset. Know your lab results. It is..." + (show)
Profile picture for seniormed @seniormed

Good to be involved and get educated at the onset. Know your lab results.
It is appropriate to start around 20 mg prednisone daily. In the event you are on steroids long term Suggest checking BP and weights weekly.
Know your cardiovascular risk profile is increased with systemic inflammation. Ask your rheum consultant about Dexascan baseline.
Get fasting glucose and A1c at intervals. Take your prednisone with food
and I took famotidine antacid combo and melatonin 5mg at bedtime.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much; very appreciated.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.