Studies on Covid 19 vaccine causing PMR

Wasn’t PMR a thing way way before Covid vaccines?

@kare1 yes

@kare1 yes it was. The study isn’t suggesting pmr is caused by the vaccine, but triggered by it due to the spike protein causing a high immune response.
Weren’t we told that the spike protein cleared our system after a certain amount of time? Well they found it in the placenta of a woman who had the vaccine some time before she got pregnant and then gave birth.
That made me think about the fact that I got the initial vaccine and the booster then the next one we were supposed to get then the booster. So I’ve had 4 shots since covid started. Haven’t had any since I think 2021. Was that spike protein still present when I was diagnosed with pmr in 2025?

Following this post.

I am not sure what caused my PMR. I was active, healthy, and on no medication.

Originally, a darn good PA told me they were looking into the Covid vaccine but some thoughtd it might be caused by the Flu vaccine. (I could not find any studies.)

I'm not sure about that BUT I will never take a Covid shot again because of the horrendous palpitations it caused me for 3 years. I was under a heart doctor care but after not having a Covid shot for a year, the palpitaions stopped. I still get the flu shot, but I ask for the non-senior dose. It's less than the senior dose.

@vjm0223
Thanks. I’ve heard some folks say these vaccines ”cause” these issues. I got a text from CVS saying I should get the booster Covid shot since it’s been 6 months ago from my last one. I think I’ll take a break! I’ve taken all the recommended vaccines since Covid began. Didn’t get PMR till very end of Dec2024.
2025 was the year of prednisone & methotrexate. A crappy year. Ug. At least I am slowly dropping mgs of prednisone

@kare1 Same as you but PMR came a year later.
End of 2025.

@cyndiefromnc

WOW, thank you for more good info. I too, was no meds, healthy. Five different docs have said: 'we have seen more PMR cases come in after booster shot' I, too, had alarming heart palpitations, wondering if I was in line for a cardiac event. One said they had younger kids come in (after vaccinations) with Type ONE diabetes. And I am a firm believer in vaccinations. Guess we live and learn and adjust...........as PMR has completely changed my life.

@kare1 how quickly are you tapering? I have had PMR since December 2025 and refused to accept Prednisone until I could no longer walk up to the bedroom. This doc, though has 30 for 7 days, then 25 7 days, then 20mg, started just 3 weeks ago. Hoping to keep tapering before all my hair falls out.

@pmrnew
Rheumy started me on 15 mgs end of March 2025, then on May 4 12.5 mgs for 2 weeks, May 18 dropped to 10 mgs, (Began methotrexate on May 4.) in June went to 9 mg pred, June 15 went to 8 mg. June 29 dropped to 7mg. July 23 dropped to 6mg , Aug 6 to 5 mg. Aug 20 down to 4 mgs even tho I began to feel pain in wrist, elbow & lower back upper butt! But I was so determined to get off pred!! But caved & upped to 5 tho tried to alternate 4 then 5.
Tried in mid Nov to move down to 3.5 w/aching. Kept at this & tried to alternate w/3 mgs!! Nope. Pains increasing. Kept trying to drop in Dec/Jan 2026. Even mid Jan tried to push to 2.5 mg.
Well Rheumy said bump back to 4 mgs all of Feb & March till I see him (tomorrow!) I did do 4 mgs all of Feb 2026. But dang it I tried March to alternate between 3.5 & 4 for 3 weeks & It was ok! A little fatigue at first. March 30 just taking 3.5 & all ok. Trying a slower drop down. Also walking outside! Our mental outlook is so important. Saw a therapist all last year cause of PMR! I Try meditating on the insight timer app. It’s has helped me calm down.
Hope this isn’t too confusing (brain fog is a real thing!)

@pmrnew
-that hair falling out is a real bummer. Add the fragile skin damage from pred sure adds to looking very OLD! All I have to do is glare at my arm & that blood blister thing appears. What the heck. And the weight gain. Oy vey. I’m curious when does the pred weight gain begin to lessen? Do we have to be totally off prednisone to see some of that tummy (etc!!) fat go away?? Anyone experienced weight loss after prednisone?