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When 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! 😬
Replies to "When I began Pred in March 2025 it did wonders for pain relief. But my mental..."
@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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@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.