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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 8 11:23pm | Replies (2096)Comment receiving replies
I had never heard of PMR until I was diagnosed with it back in January. I thought it was just a stiff neck, so my primary doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer - which did absolutely nothing. I soon was in excruciating pain lifting my head off the pillow in the mornings, so was basically taking NSAIDs every 4 hours which helped but not by much. Two weeks later, I could barely walk - it had moved into my upper thighs. That's when the doctor knew what it was. She started me on 20 mg of prednisone which was wonderful then down to 10mg which was still wonderful. Then she me taper down to 9 mg and then 8mg. The 8mg was not doing it for me, so she put me back up to 9mg which is where I am now. I feel like at this point, some days are worse than others. I now have an appointment with a rheumatologist in late June. Hoping for a replacement drug for the prednisone. I just joined this group today - is anyone taking a different medication besides prednisone that is working?
Replies to "I had never heard of PMR until I was diagnosed with it back in January. I..."
@rebeccaheard
I started on prednisone 20mg in October 2025, then added Kevzara in January 2026. My rheumatologist has been lowering my prednisone by 2 1/2 mg per month. As of May 26 I am now down to 7 1/2mg prednisone and 200mg Kevzara shot every 2 weeks. So far no flare ups.
@rebeccaheard
This sounds like me! I love to walk with my small dogs. 2-3 miles depending on what is going on. When slowly noticed more and more pain. From standing at the sink, cooking. The pain was horrible that I would sit for a bit. Then it was hard to get up off the couch, out of bed.
I have double vision, I had a recent problem with my jaw joint! Brushing my teeth my joint popped out and back in‼️painful and I couldn’t open my mouth properly for a couple days.
My GP put me on prednisone. I couldn’t believe how much better I felt . Started walking again. Even on prednisone I have limits. The lowest I’ve gotten down on prednisone is 7 mg where I’m holding.
I finally have a Rheumatologist appointment July 17‼️
Maybe I will gain insight on PMR
This site has been a great resource
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@rebeccaheard
I am on Kevzara… so much better than the standard prednisone treatment!