Is this common?

@gmdb My dr warned me, too. Said to take them as far apart as possible so I take the Meloxicam 12-13 hrs later. It prevents the elbow, wrist and hand pain I used to have for about 6 hours after getting up without increasing Prednisone.
Sadly, the gels don't work for me. So far, so good.

@betsyhase Hi. I can certainly relate to the brain fog and the weakness, along with the hip, knee, and shoulder pain.
I was started on 40mg of Prednisone, split by taking 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night. The pain vanished almost immediately (less than 36 hours.) I couldn’t sleep though, and that went on for a week, so I was prescribed sleeping pills. That helped get me six hours of sleep at night, but when I reduced my Prednisine at night to 10mg at night (30mg/day) that helped.
Now, 90 days since my diagnosis, I take no Prednidone at night, I sleep without sleeping pills, and I sleep 8 hours.
I’m down to 15mg/day now.
About half of the time, I have headaches during the night and especially before waking (getting out of bed) in the morning. Once I get up, the headaches fade away. Coffee helps, and I limit myself to one large cup/day.
I also have had pain (like razor blades) in the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet but but it is getting better. Numbness started in my hands and feet after starting Prednisone. My PCP says that is a Prednisone side/effect. He passed me in to a rheumatologist after the Prednisone (I’m convinced and so is my rheumatologist) triggered a blood clot in my leg and had to be hospitalized. Was I started on too much Prednisone , I don’t know but I’m taking far less now.
As you’ve probably figured out, other than pain and Prednisone, nothing is really the same for everybody.
I’m not a doctor but I’m going to suggest that you talk with or message your doctor about increasing your dosage of Prednisone just a little bit. I would try adding 5mg more per day and see if that eliminates your pain. Don’t over do it. Don’t under do it. Find what works for you then stick with that until your doctor and you agree to reduce the daily amount. Prednisone should eliminate your pain in a few days tops (less than a week.) That’s common with PMR.
If you split your daily amount into am and pm, most of the success that I’ve read about and personally experienced, advise to take most of it in the morning when pain seems to be the most and a lessor amount in the evening so you can still sleep.
Good luck and wishing you success in getting past PMR.
This is a wonderful support group and I’ve learned a lot from many here. You’re not alone.
Keep us up to date and informed on how you’re doing.

@stonewheel
This was a very helpful response. I have been adjusting my Prednisone and now seem ok on 10 mg in AM and 5 mg after dinner. Pain is now minimal and my brain fog gone. My MD is on board. Rheumatologist not available for 4-6 months but my primary is working with me and is receptive to my feedback of adjustments.
I guess I need to be doing a more careful diet of anti-inflammatory. I could be alittle better in that department.
Did you find your diet made a big difference?
TIA/ Betsy

@betsyhase my diet was great before PMR. I didn’t need to modify or change it.
This:
Vegan except raw fish (sushi) salmon and tuna for omega-3, lots of vegetables and fruit smoothies with anti-inflammatories like blueberries, strawberries, banana, kiwi, apple, aloe vera juice. Old fashioned rolled oats in the smoothie or cooked and add those fruits to break the breakfast monotony.
No dairy except cottage cheese, Parmesan and plain Greek yogurt.
salads
Moroccan ev olive oil, olive oil butter, only sour dough bread.
Local raw honey and 2 yard eggs every day.
Walnuts, pecans, and peanut butter.
Plant based burgers or chicken occasionally.
No sodas. No sugar. No sweets or candy.
Oat milk, coconut water, fruit juices, black coffee, and water ( 3 quarts a day, more in the summer.)
I know I rambled but that’s my diet.

@stonewheel
Thank you for the very detailed response. Yes, I have been watching my food intake but was slacking lately. I assume doing an anti-inflammatory diet would be good. Most of the items are not a problem and I do mostly organic, clean meats but I do use alittle dairy. Greek yogurt and sour cream added to recipes.
Hopefully these small amounts don't throw off my progress. I have to admit while feeling so awful over the past few months, sugar has snuck into my diet alittle more so I know I need to get back on track with that too.

@betsyhase Prednisine really makes me hungry and it is a struggle for me to refrain from eating constantly. I have a love hate relationship with prednisone.

@stonewheel
It slowed down my metabolism and made it very difficult to know what and how much to eat. When I ate, I would think about the portion size before I was sick, and then I would cut back a little on that. It was great to see my regular metabolism return about a month after I finished prednisone.

@stonewheel
Yes Prednisone is a magical drug that works quick but terrible side effects if used too long.
Balancing it is key.

@betsyhase I eliminated refined sugar and it helped bunches. It took about a month to get past the craving for sugar. Thee years later I don't even want sugar any longer. Lipid panel showed amazing results. Good luck.

Donna
Thank you for your comments especially regarding being grateful and patient!
I am 76yo and have been healthy and active all my life and 4 months ago PMR suddenly appears! Just had my 1st appt with a rheumatologist and she started me on 15mg prednisone. Being that this was so sudden and healthy prior it has been a tough road. I had to remind myself to be more patient and focusing on gratitude. My first priority is better eating habits especially incorporating anti-inflammatory foods.
Bless you for your strength. We all need those encouraging thoughts.
Molly