PMR relapse symptoms

@tuckerp oh yes, I have osteoarthritis in my right hip quite badly too - age!

@abbeyc
Just wondering how long you were on prednisone…. I just tapered off this week from just under 6 months of prednisone and feeling some stiffness, and my flexibility somewhat compromised.

Something that Mike @ dadcue said to me when I first joined this group, and I really appreciate it because it made so much sense, was that (now, this is in my own words and my thoughts, not exactly his) Prednisone masks not only PMR pain but many other pains as well. And, because of the autoimmune disorder, any number of new painful problems may begin. Knowing that, one has to really search themselves and pain types and locations. The pain felt during or after tapering off Predsisone may not be PMR, but something that you had before but just forgot about because it wasn’t too severe and the Prednisone masked it. And, I (we/you) might have acquired another problem long (or shortly) after the diagnosis of PMR months/years ago. New problems associated with adrenal function, age, Prednisone, reduced physical ability, other prescription drugs and/or any combination of those, and more, could/can happen and cause often similar pain.
We are not the same as we were before we started this PMR journey and PMR may have burned its way out but collateral damage may be possible, and in some instances expected.
Let’s just hope for the best and do everything right, as best of our ability. Keep learning and keep sharing.
I expect to come out at the other end of the tunnel not as the same person as before PMR, but as a different person. And, I’ll go forward from there.
Right now though, I’m going outside to do my daily Tai Chi in the sunshine and get some Vitamin D that I desperately need, and then hop on the treadmill for +/- 45 minutes. After that, a fruit and protein smoothie. A soak in the jet tub. Then, see what kind of trouble I can get into (projects around the house both in and outside) and read a book. By then, it’ll be time to “rinse and repeat.”
Blessings to all. I wish each and every one of you the very best and full recovery. Later.

@caroljeand I was on it for 12 months, the normal period here in Australia, if a normal pattern is established. Took 5 months to diagnose the. Started on 15mg tapering to 10mg after one month then a very slow taper after that. Stiffness returning slowly as I reduced but not like PMR. Patience was severely tested!

@stonewheel Enjoyed your helpful positive post. At 78 years old, I had some morning stiffness before PMR, and have noticed that gone on prednisone. I am currently tapering until mid April. Trying to stay active and fit, eating better and being kind to myself. Reading posts on this platform has been helpful.

@54pontiac
I would check with your doctor if it's ok to take Advil while on prednisone. I was told not to take Advil.

Though not completely off prednisone yet (20mg little over year ago to 3mg now) I also wake up with shoulder stiffness and hands that have a stiffness and some pain. The interesting part of the hands is that I had no issues other than some osteoarthritis in a finger or two before the PMR, but as I am close to turning 70 I am ok with some of life’s pains as long as I can get off of prednisone and maybe take an occasional Tylenol Arthritis or Advil going forward. But i have to thank Mike got his post as I never looked at some of the pains as old ones that I just forgot about. As we age and our bodies do gives us that “head-up” that we aren’t the same as before it’s good to recognize that. So if the pain and stiffness goes away or lessens as the day goes on and you have the ability to accept and live with those nuisances hopefully you feel you are moving forward. God Bless …

@brandon03291957 I was no longer taking prednisone when I went to Advil. You are correct that they shouldn’t be taken together.

@stonewheel
Good response And a good one for me to remember as I slowly get off prednisone & methotrexate ( almost 1 yr now). I’ve been thinking I’ll be the same Karen when this is over. (I’ll be 73 this year.) So maybe I need to temper my expectations! & be kind to myself.

I was diagnosed with PMR January, 2025. Up until a month ago, I had managed to go from 40 mg (prescribed when I was in the hospital in 2025) and had gone down to 2 mg a day. This took me over one year. Then a couple weeks ago, I started experiencing severe headaches like I've never had before along with stiffness and body pain. I started to increase my Prednisone over the weeks til I was up to 10mg. The headaches stopped. I went to see my GP today and he was very disappointed that I increased it that much and said that headaches are common this time of year and that I should have taken Tylenol instead. Well, being 78 years old, I know all about weather related headaches but that this was different and Tylenol didn't work.
I guess I'm so frustrated today. I don't want to be on this cycle. So now I will slowly ween down and pray that the headaches don't return. Just needed to vent my frustrations. Thanks for listening