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How does Kevzara help with PMR symptoms and pain? I am being weaned
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Mar 30 11:10am | Replies (104)Comment receiving replies
@kjoed53 I didn’t know your heart beat rate had increased, along with glucose (expected, mine has increased too but my PCP and rheumatologist seem ok with my level.) Somehow, my blood pressure has improved (my eyesight too, weird, I know) it had always been a bit high but now is in the normal range, go figure.
This is a bizarre disease!
If you can’t tolerate the pain, I’d up the Prednisone dosage for a few days to try for some relief. I could barely move and the pain kept me from sleeping. PCP started me on 40mg/day.
If you can tolerate the pain, (and there are some out there trying to outlast it taking nothing but Tylenol/Ibuprophen cocktails) stay on the lower dose and continue to manage the side effects.
For me, side effects are the new norm.
I wish you the best of wishes and luck k’53. Keep letting us know what you decide and how you are doing. We are all learning about PMR, including the doctors. God bless them.
Replies to "@kjoed53 I didn’t know your heart beat rate had increased, along with glucose (expected, mine has..."
It helped me to separate what PMR was doing to me from what Prednisone was doing to me. I'm not sure what all PMR did to me except it caused me to have a lot of pain. From what I have read about PMR it isn't known to cause too much damage. PMR isn't supposed to last very long so I can't explain why my rheumatologist thought I had PMR for 12 years. I was more convinced that I still had PMR when Actemra worked so well for me. My rheumatologist still thinks I have PMR combined with a "full range" of other rheumatology problems. There isn't that much that is known about PMR alone except that it is very painful.
The effects of prednisone on the other hand have been well studied and the side effects have been known about for years. It was helpful to me when I decided that daily Prednisone was putting my body in a constant "fight or flight" response. The following is what artificial intelligence says about the body's fight or flight response.
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"Key Physiological Changes:
Heart & Lungs: Heart rate and blood pressure rise to pump blood faster, while breathing quickens to maximize oxygen intake.
Muscles: Muscles tense up, becoming prepared to react, fight, or flee, which can lead to trembling or shaking.
Energy Surge: The body releases glucose and cortisol, providing a burst of energy to deal with the threat.
Senses: Vision sharpens, and pupils dilate to allow more light in, leading to heightened alertness.
Suppressed Functions: Digestion shuts down, often causing "butterflies," nausea, or a dry mouth.
Signs of Fight or Flight:
Physical: Racing heart, sweating, shaking, shallow breathing, cold/clammy skin, and dilated pupils.
Behavioral: Impatience, anger, irritability, or panic, often accompanied by a feeling of being trapped or a sudden need to move.
Long-Term Impact: If constantly active, it can lead to exhaustion, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and anxiety."
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Over the many years that I took Prednisone this was exactly what happened to me. To all of the above, I need to add that the blood clotting mechanism is enhanced in case we are injured during the emergency we face. The fight or flight response decreases the chance of bleeding to death in case we get injured.
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@stonewheel
My younger sister had PMR several years ago and she wouldn't take any prednisone, instead opting for 12 ibuprofen a day and trying to tough it out. It took a few years. I'm not sure why she thought 12 ibuprofen a day was better for her than prednisone, but that was her choice. I'm not supposed to take ibuprofen with my other meds, but I was taking 2 at bedtime before I was diagnosed and it did very little for me. I'll take the prednisone with all it's side effects for now. I've been pushing myself to do more and not just sit around waiting for it to go away. It might not help the physical aspect, but it keeps my mind occupied and I think that's a big part of coping.