Well, folks. I wish!
I first met PMR following my 2nd Covid infection 2 years ago. What a rough time. I was already worn down, experienced 2 weeks home in bed, on bi-pap with O2, taking Covid meds and supplements, refusing to go to hospital and caring for myself, alone. Rough. But, I did improve slowly.

I awoke one morning after kicking Covid, in excruciating pain in both my hips, limited mobility, little use of my hips or legs. I could not turn over in bed! Then, my shoulders did much the same, both shoulders ached and felt like concrete was holding me down.

I was in trouble. Called my primary doctor. He said it sounded like PMR, began Prednisone immediately with other instructions, but again alone to care for myself.

After several weeks with gradual improvement, able to get in and out of bed, etc., the Prednisone reduced the inflammation and pain and I improved. Then, GCA hit my temples and eyes and head. Methotrexate helped.

I did go into remission for months. Never returned to the mobility I had prior, but could begin pool therapy and function fairly well, for me. I was never pain free. Never could lift my legs and feet as before PMR. My muscles and nerves weren't communicating well. But, tapered down to 10mg Prednisone, off Methatrexate, for several months.

Then, May 2025, had high glucose due to Oxympic reaction... it was controlling well the steroid induced diabetes I developed. Then, my body rejected it and I was a very ill lady, every side effect possible. Downhill... coma level glucose and ER, admission to hospital, insulin 5x daily with horrid Rollercoaster, hospital rehab for a week.

There, I became paralyzed from my hips down, for 4 days. 20 mg Prednisone reduced paralysis... PMR flare? Rare... but?

Learned how to make feet move and walk. Limited exercise. Too much caused relapse of paralysis. 1 month in horrid nursing home! Home. Limited movement. In bed most ofvthe day. Working on laptop, etc.

Tapered Prednisone to 14mg... with difficulty. Increased pain, increased muscle spams and issues, but landed on 14 mg for a bit.

Then, May 2026, PMR flare hit hard. Up to 16mg Prednisone, but need more. The hip pain wakes me at night, is severe and I'm taking Tramadol for a short time to make it through the pain. Shoulders are useless. Hips and back spasm and the pain is constant. Mobility is limited.

So, I get the impression PMR is with us to some degree whenever it decides to respond to the stressor or whatever triggers it to wake up. I see it as though it's dosing for a bit, waiting to create havoc in our bodies.

It's a mean, unforgiving disease. Hiding and keeping secrets from the medical folks. Nasty thing it is!

My thoughts. Don't know how to keep it at bay... it is humbling. Devastating when it hits hard. And persistent as heck.

I pray each of you find some peace and relief when a flare hits. I am challenged by this thing, but a determined Southern woman with a steel spine and strong will. So, I will not bow to this thing!
Blessings to all... Elizabeth