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PMR or PREDNISONE
I’ve been recently diagnosed with PMR (April 2024) and currently trying to rule out GCA. I have a question. I’m having a hard time differentiating between the PMR symptoms and the prednisone side effects. I know the pain is directly related PMR but the shaking of my hands, the foggy brain, the fatigue, the pain and swelling in my hands, the insomnia, I often feel like my body is betraying me- all these seem to be listed with both conditions. Friday I had to increase my prednisone because of new symptoms, concerning my face, eyes, and neck and ears. Tomorrow I will go to a specialist for the suspected GCA. It is all so very new to me, and I’ve read so many of your comments, and they have been so very helpful. Do you ever get to a point where you know which one is the PMR and which is the side effects from the prednisone? Thank you so much for having this Connection group.
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It's really hard to tell which is which when you are at a higher dose of Prednisone. It also depends on how long you have been on the higher dose. I started Prednisone in August, 2023 and have been weaning down slowly ever since. I found when I was at 7.5 mgs and weaned down to 5 mgs, that's when my symptoms started breaking through again, so I thought. Muscle pain, joint pain, neck and shoulder pain, tingling in legs and arms, etc. Could not tell if it was a reaction to the Prednisone or PMR returning. I tried to hang in there for 4 very long days of severe pain to wait it out, but gave in and took 2 Advil (my doctor just told me it's okay to take it once in a while). My symptoms subsided very quickly, and then I waited for the storm to hit again, but it never did. That was the only way that I could tell that it was a reaction to the Prednisone. Same thing happened when I weaned down from 5 to 4, and 4 to 3 mgs. Now I am at 2 mgs every other day with 3 mgs in between. Able to do more and sleep a little longer but still have insomnia, but I'll take that over the pain any day. Was very excited that I was able to give both of my dogs a really good bath yesterday; they are pretty big dogs but were so happy when I was done. However, my German Shepherd had to rub the clean off of her on the grass for about 10 minutes, lol. I probably did too much but the benefits outweighed the aftermath so I went for it. Although I'm in a bit of pain today, I plan to get moving and unclutter my house. I just had knee surgery for a meniscus root detachment in mid-March which involved a fracture and ACL issue, but so it feels good to be able to move around and get things done. Promised myself not to overdue, and to be careful.
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1 ReactionI have had PMR for a year and a half and have never taken prednisone or any other steroid, so my experience might help: I have never had insomnia or brain fog or shaking anywhere. I have had pain in my hands but not swelling.
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1 ReactionWhat should I say, being 86 years old. The pain came suddenly over night . Immediately , February , 2026 was diagnosed with PMR based on pain symptoms and ESR and CRP high mark. Refused started prednisone . Instead , going for cortisone injections in pain clinic. ( one shoulder or hip at the time every couple weeks ) . It works systematically .
Going easy on muscles work ( no heavy lifting, no flowers planting, garden work, etc)
Still driving and taking care myself .
Unfortunately, cortisone injections works for a couple weeks max. But spreading into the system from one injection helps to manage pain.. Still watching the bone density .
Having number of concomitant health issues, don’t think I am ready to ply game with prednisone tapering and have side effects of it use. Of course, it is my approach so far for 6 month .
I have heard that it’s self limited period exist. Is anybody know?
Interesting
Thank you
@marymullins7
I’ve been immediately “diagnosed” with PMR based on uncrushable shoulders, arms and girdle pain.Has been prescribed prednisone and two others drugs that supposed prevent bone lost. Though the diagnose isn’t straight forward in the medical society and I’ve never experienced such a body painful conditions, I decided hold off the medication and get to learn this disease first.
If it’s muscles and join inflammation, than I believed the cortisone injections, that I was doing for my hip, might help. Therefore, I have started to do injections to shoulders joins ( one at the time) It helped to all body system . I don’t “fly”( at 86) but able slowly and surely to take care for myself!! No shakes, no headaches, no brain fogs.
My leg swollen from anti arrhythmic drug .I never sleep good, but with magnesium 200 can sleep 6-7 hr
intermediately . So far I stick with that routine. Will see what will happened next 😜
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1 Reaction@monigue just interested if you got any Covid vaccines?
@monigue I’m 80yo, diagnosed in 4/2024…..prednisone savior. Decision, prednisone vs osteoporosis……bone density after a year+ on prednisone showed a 10% decrease in 10years since my last bone density test. My osteoporosis is in only ONE location. All others are osteopenia, no broken bones ever. Still workout, hike, bike, wlk golf when I play. My PCP and I decided that 10% over 10 yrs was nothing to get excited about. Note: never had an injection for pain etc.
Hope this helps. Good luck
@jds2123 yes, 2 pfizer