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Prednisone withdrawal and Unlikely Additional Symptoms
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (64)Comment receiving replies
@betsyhase Hi Betsy I am in the same situation as you . I am 74 years old and have been on Prednisone for 5 years ,soon to be 6 years and can identify with your situation. I have lost so much with this disease , have also been in pain 24/7 and and lost strength to the point I have to sit in my chair very often while doing simple household chores.I feel like a prisoner in my own home.My balance is so bad I have had several falls which required an ambulance trip to the hospital. Had lab work done 3 days ago and my CRP test was normal .I found out you can have a normal CRP level and still have PMR. I am looking for a new doctor and am on a wait list to get one.The wait list is over 3 years long. I am looking for alternatives for treatment and hope to find some.I am not giving up ever.The only thing I haven't lost with this disease is the weight I have gained which doesn't help the situation
Replies to "@betsyhase Hi Betsy I am in the same situation as you . I am 74 years..."
@wendybfrompgbc
I finally got an appointment with a Rheumatologist 2+ weeks ago. Lots if blood work done. He wants me on methotrexate. After looking at side effects it looks like a scary drug with many possible side effects. He told me most people tolerate it but we'll see. He also had me go back up to 10mg of Prednisone.
Have you heard anything about nicotine patches helping autoimmune conditions?
The chronic pain is very wearing, emotionally and physically. I am also working at getting dairy our of my diet. I don't do much like kefir 1 cup,
1 T. Plain Greek yogurt to mix into making egg salad. Trying to find a substitute for milk in coffee. Ugh, everything tastes terrible
I will post more as I get into his treatment.
Thanks for any feedback I can get. This is such an isolating condition.
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I was diagnosed with PMR and started taking prednisone January 23, 2026. After 2 months extreme pain ADLs compromised and 6 doctors finally got diagnosis. I was told taking prednisone would confirm along with my elevated CPR abd Seds. No one told me how horrible and the side affects were and when asked very dismissive. I started off on 40 mg. Yes, it controlled and gave me relief for the worst of pain. However the mental, emotional, brain fog, forgetfulness were off the charts. I am 70 and yes a lot of those symptoms come with age. Additionally, it resonated with me when you said had to sit down doing some tasks. I have significant fatigue. If there is good news I have maintained functionality and range of motion.
I am on a fast taper because of mental health issues. I am down to 2 mg. However it is interesting my left shoulder arm is in significant pain but the right is minimal. There may be a mechanical issue. I have a ultrasound scheduled next month. I absolutely hate this medication. I don't know if people have gotten off prednisone in 6 months. It is double edged sword...@wendybfrompgbc