Connect
PMR and depression
Has anyone experienced increased depression and sadness on prednisone for over a year? I am currently on 4mg, down from 20 mg. I have had a few flares and recently had a bout of sciatica. I am suddenly overwhelmed with even simple tasks. I’m an artist and stopped painting to spend more time being physically active and gardening. I’m an introvert but a good listener so people tend to unload on me while I hardly get a word in. Afterwards I’m exhausted. I’ve been on a low dose of sertraline for years. Maybe this isn’t PMR issue?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Connect
@cyndiefromnc I agree, it’s a roller coaster. Hang in there, you are not alone .
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIt didn’t take a year for my depression to set in. The daily challenge of balancing prednisone usage and side effects vs how much pain is otherwise tolerable is exhausting, while life marches on despite my reduced capacity. The only thing that happens quickly in managing PMR is the return of the pain if you taper too quickly, so you increase the pred and in doing so, the speed at which it will damage your other systems. Insurance wants to pay for the cheapest alternative, even if contraindicated, until it fails for you, even if you (and your doctor) know better. Age doesn’t matter because there is no cure: it’s forever once you have it, and PMR hasn’t been studied enough to define who, why, when it will rear its head, let alone how to effectively standardize treatment. Who wouldn’t be depressed? I try to savor the bright spots when I can, Exercise helps, even a little exercise. Family helps, even when we don’t talk about PMR.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@cyndiefromnc
I'm only months into the PMR and the transition in my life is difficult to adjust to. Spring yard cleaning was always a mixed bag of dread and exhilaration but I was outside yesterday looking at all the damage from the winter storms and it's very depressing to see all the trees and branches down and not be able to get started. It's going to be a long year.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@kjoed53 hang in there!
Oh my yes, and I finally spoke to my doctor. I asked her if modulating the IL6 pathway was contributing to my mood and she said no studies have been done because of the limitations of treatment. Benefit of living out weighs the risk of treatment-having said that, I tried 100 mg of sertraline and it was overwhelmingly positive feeling immediately. Within a couple of weeks improved vagus nerve, lowered nausea and slightly increased appetite. Getting enough sleep is still a nightly goal. Eating very clean works: no gluten, diary, low sugar lots of fluids. Turmeric, ginger. Pineapple and peppers for excellent joint relief. Listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs. Please share anything that works.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWonderful! I’ve been on 50mg sertraline for years. Haven’t thought about increasing dosage but I’m going to give it a try.
@tweetypie13 I know exactly what you're saying...telling family members or friends is useless to me no one gets how painful this disease is and robs you of any kind of fun between the pain, fatigue and sadness.. They all listen to me but they just don't get it! A few days later they will come around again and ask if I want to take a walk around town or go shopping....so I just give up telling them and just say no thanks not today. I was diagnosed Feb. 2024 and having a hard time trying to lower the Prednisone to 2.5mg. it's very painful that low. Well thanks for listening and I wish well on your journey...we all understand our pain...Joyce~~