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Prednisone withdrawal and Unlikely Additional Symptoms
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 8 minutes ago | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
70 year old next month. I will not go into symptoms that caused me to be originally diagnosed with PMR but began my treatment with 20mg about 15 months ago. I am now down to 2 and 1 mg’s daily. I did notice that I was unusually fatigued throughout the day and actually made comment to wife that I felt like I needed a nap right after I woke. And I sleep pretty well. After about two weeks I AI’d it and found that this fatigue is actually one of the side effects of the Adrenal gland waking up among a few others. Also some stiffness in hips first thing in morning but comes and goes through out the day. For me personally I am still able to walk 2 to 4 miles a day and play golf so the soreness /stiffness is acceptable to be off the prednisone. I would say though that new pains in areas, especially if they are debilitating could be PMR, but as I have learned on my own journey and reading many posts on this site, PMR is different for everyone and though we see doctors it is us in control of our body’s. One thing my rheumatologist does check when I see her every 6 months or so is for rheumatoid arthritis due to some issues with hands and fingers. So far so good.
Replies to "70 year old next month. I will not go into symptoms that caused me to be..."
@boo3 My experience is very similar to yours. 70 this month; 15 months on prednisone; 20mg down to 1.5; active-runner/walk 6 miles a day; little stiff in am; surprising fatigue right now; a little pain in my hands and fingers.
I was shocked how similar our cases are. Thank you so much for posting about fatigue and Adrenal gland wake up. I'm going to research that because I am experience fatigue too and while I can work through minor pain, I don't have time for fatigue.
Let's hope we are in the 50% of PMR patients who taper and quit prednisone but don't relapse. And prayers for all those that do!
And
Oh gosh...reading some of the other comments. Hugs to all. Please find a good rheumatologist. I changed rheumatologists six months ago and she slowed down my taper. She's been great. Good luck everyone.
@boo3 Add on to my initial post. After some research here and other places became a bit more educated regarding prednisone and the body’s production of cortisol. Decided to change daily intake of prednisone from 2 one day then 1 the next to 1.5 each day. I was very skeptical that this would make a difference BUT though my slight aches and pains in hips come and go, I have noticed the “I need a nap” all day feeling has subsided. Thinking 21 days on 1.5 and then 1. Keeping fingers crossed. And oh yea a prayer or two!
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How does your Rheumatologist check for RA? My PCP did a blood test which was negative but my joints in my hands are quite large and painful. Plus other joints are painful. I have been unable to get into a Rheumatologist as of yet.