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Has anyone with PMR been able to get off prednisolone?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Mar 24 11:39am | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
I had been on prednisone for over two years. Every time I tapered, I had more pain.
A couple of months ago I had a terrible stomach bug. I couldn’t keep anything down for four days. No good or medication. So I didn’t take it. My body seemed completely purged, but I noticed, as sick as I was, I was not having the pan I usually experience. So I did not go back to the prednisone. (I was on 2 mg).
I found I do still need pregabalin for nerve issues, but I believe the prednisone was actually causing some of the pain I was experiencing. I can’t prove it, but I am not going back to it.
From being on this site I notice folks rarely have just the PMR that they are treating. Some have bad osteoarthritis, myself included, some have restless leg syndrome, I am finding that is me too. Some have eye issues. Etc. it is difficult to tell, when on Prednisone, what is what.
I do not plan to go back on this drug. Yet I know that if my horrid symptoms that landed me on it in the first place return, I will have to. But for a very short period. I think it masks other problems that might be better treated by something less harmful to the body.
I have already noticed a change in my skin. I don’t feel like I look as old. And I am sleeping better.
Every body is different, but I am delighted I had that stomach bug.
Replies to "I had been on prednisone for over two years. Every time I tapered, I had more..."
@thereselefever
Thanks. Very encouraging to hear you have managed to be off prednisolone after your illness. While it was such a relief to be relieved of the pain back in June, I really don’t want to be on this medication for the rest of my life. I have had similar experience of aches for about 5 days after a taper, then things seem to settle down. Good luck, I hope you remain free of PMR symptoms.
I am suffering from PMR for last 2 and 6 months. GP treated for 9 months starting with Pred 25 mg tapering down to 0mg. After 1 month again symptoms appeared. In June 2024 I was referred to Rheumatologist. Had pred for one year. My Rheumatologist started Methotrexate 20 mg when I was taking pred 5 mg. For last 6 months I am taking 20 mg Methotrexate while tapering pred to 1 mg. I will stop pred in April end.
As per my Rheumatologist long use of Pred is more harmful for bones while Methotrexate may affect liver. I was earlier repeating blood tests every fortnight, then monthly and now after 3 months. It was towed monitor liver, kidney function and inflammation.
My Rheumatologist has advised me to stop pred on 01 May onwards but take Methotrexate 20 mg atleast for 12 months to avoid triggering back of PMR. I am convinced. I am now leading normal life after long time.
@thereselefever this is a very interesting read. I am on 4mg and was planning on staying on 2mg for a while if I could get down to that, but you have made some valid points that I had also thought about.
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@thereselefever
I tapered off prednisone on February 20… I had occasional itching with hives while on it. I haven’t had it for a while now.
I think some of us have some strange reactions to prednisone that cause us to experience unusual symptoms. I personally will never go on it again.
Glad you are doing better off of it!🙏🏻