New PMR diagnosis

Posted by zirbellm @zirbellm, Jan 22 11:11am

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.

stonewheel | @stonewheel | Jan 28 12:18pm

I have a symptom question as I was recently diagnosed (two months ago).

Beyond the usual pain areas (hips, shoulders, neck and knees) does anyone else have pain in the palms of their hands and numbness) the soles of their feet (like walking on glass) and tender scalp?

My PCP diagnosed me in Nov. 2025, and started me on 40 mg Prednisone, 20 morning and 20 at night. Now I am down to 17.5 mg morning only and I am now seeing a rheumatologist and a hematologist.

But my hands, feet and scalp pain has steadily increased. Is anybody else experiencing this?

jeff97 | @jeff97 | Jan 28 2:34pm

I would check with your rheumatologist. Any time someone with PMR has scalp pain, they need to be checked for GCA. I don't know about the pain in your hands and feet.

ggarrepy | @ggarrepy | Jan 28 4:51pm

I’m brand new to it as well. I enjoy aqua aerobics and I’m finding a modified workout helps a lot. To me it’s all about moderate exercise. I am going to try to deal with it using Ibuprofen and exercise. I will try to avoid prednisone due to the side effects with other health issues.