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PMR and Depression
For almost three years I have been tapering off Prednisone. I am on a cocktail of medication, including pregabalin, tyeene, prednisone, and sometimes celebrex. And yet, the pain is there, always there. Sometimes debilitating, sometimes on a good day tweeks just to remind me it is there. I get up in the morning and go directly to the cocktail that is going to (in an hour or two) allow me to move around with limited pain. I then usually have a few hours in which I get to work and am able to do my job without thinking about PMR. Bur around afternoon and by dinner I am left wondering if I have it in me to make dinner and walk the dogs.
Then I get up and do the same the next day.
My doctor believes the pain is real but insists I should not go back up on my dose. She is, of course, right as I know the downfalls of being on a steroid for too long. I see what ill effects it has on the rest of my body. What is the lesser evil?
Most days my husband treats me like I am an 80 year old (I am 62). He can't help it. He sees the pain and doesn't want me to endure it. Pain is a terrible thing to have every day, and I am becoming depressed. I see a therapist and I am deeply spiritual with a tremendous support system.
Just curious if anyone else feels the same? And if this is addressed in any other forum?
Peace.
Therese
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@bainbridge yes, I have and it’s definitely not part of my mental makeup so I’m correlating to the disease onset and treatment, which has shown a dramatic sense of hopelessness and depression. I’m taking 100 mg of Zoloft which is seratonin that helps with the vagus nerve. Sure provided some relief within a couple of days, try talking with your PCP. No need to suffer
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1 ReactionMy sleep has been horrible since PMR, sometimes taking an hour or more to get to sleep, but mostly waking up multiple times a night with difficulty going back to sleep. I spoke with my PCP and after seeing her, she recommended belsomra. Insurance denied it initially but PCP appealed and it was approved after a few days. I started last night and I slept for 8 hours with only 10 minutes awake time. I know it's only one night, but my lack of sleep was definitely affecting my mood towards myself and others.
@joy6808 after reading this, my first thought is, tears 😭 and more tears 😭. They need to see you down, but not out. Keep fighting.
I shared the following article with my family out of town, and they “kind of got it”.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25215-polymyalgia-rheumatica
As for Pred taper , big Question, is PMR pain or cortisol recovery, or other pain? My Dr said to supplement the Pred with Tylenol for Arthritis, up to 6 pills a day. It helped. 🤞
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3 Reactions@tweetypie13
PS: this is from an old post, but might give you some ideas…..🙏
“When at my lowest, my support group gave me hope and promise, and the view was and is always sunny. My physical savior is my trainer whose specialty is Movement Specialist. She uses her fingers and hands (not massage) to wake up the sleepy spots, TVT (Targeted Vibration Therapy) is the latest technique. In addition, weights, TRX, ball, everything that is my weight based. No machines. Lastly, after 3 months to diagnosis I met an orthopedic consultant (who has PMR) who sent me to Aqua PT….sure makes you feel like living. I was able to take those exercises to the club pool where I live.
BTW: my support group includes all of this fabulous group, too.”
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2 ReactionsI'm going to take a guess that the people who need support the most are the ones who aren't actively looking for it. Admission of anxiety and depression can be seen as a sign of weakness to some, especially those whose inner strength has been something they take pride in having. Am I wrong about that?
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4 ReactionsWhen I began Pred in March 2025 it did wonders for pain relief. But my mental health took a beating. Always healthy (like so many on this site) then hit overnight w/pains blew me away. Pride hurt, shame that I was sickly. Feeling weepy, laying on sofa, feeling unworthy… Finally sought therapy. I had to work out issues. I had an upbringing that seemed to send a message that being ill was not acceptable. Anyway it certainly helped!! I’m on methotrexate & now 3 mgs of pred. I kept walking outside as that’s my ultimate pleasure. I live alone am almost 73, quite an introvert. (I did move to new state 3.5 yrs ago to be close to my one daughter who is providing grandbabies I get to see every week.) (often wonder if I hadn’t moved would I have gotten sick? Stress of moving, then getting hit w/4! illnesses like noro virus twice after babies went to play time at the Y-new germs for me? )
I guess no real use dwelling on this, eh? …mulling over just why did I get this damn condition??
Sorry for rambling. I think I’ve said these things before! 😬
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2 Reactions@kare1 Many of us were taught to suppress certain feelings as children. This most likely increases the risk of a number of illnesses later in life. You might find the writings of Gabor Mate helpful in understanding this connection.
@mark2471
I have listened to him. It sure made sense to me.
@kare1
I am also an introvert INTP. I think maybe we keep too much inside of us which doesn't help depression. It's difficult to have our life turned upside down in what seems like an overnight change. I went from covid to vertigo to the beginning of my PMR symptoms starting June 2025. Initially I was diagnosed with a pinched nerve for the pain in my shoulders. I was sent for X-rays and referred to a pain management specialist due to arthritis, spondylosis and stenosis in my cervical spine. When the pain began in my hips, thighs etc, I was referred to a neurosurgeon. MRI of both cervical and lumbar spine confirmed the issues seen on the X-rays but ultimately were determined to be inconsistent with the pain I had. I was referred to a rheumatologist and after extensive blood work I had a PMR diagnosis. From there I was referred to a hematologist/oncologist for the remaining unexplained high blood markers. I have a PET scan tomorrow and a bone marrow biopsy Wednesday. Viruses and stress are responsible for many subsequent illnesses as they can be triggers. I don't think you would have evaded PMR if you hadn't relocated but that move could have affected the timing. Accepting what we cannot change helps to reduce our stress and allows us to enjoy our daily life instead of dwelling on the why me. As an over thinker I have to work hard at that.
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2 Reactions@kjoed53 I don't know you of course, but I am sending heartfelt wishes on your upcoming procedures.
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