Connect
what to expect when starting prednisone for PMR
I'd be interested in hearing what others have experienced in the initial weeks when starting prednisone for PMR. I had PMR for 10 weeks before starting 20mg prednisone. Within 4 days I was 85% better, but still unable to do anything that taxed my muscles. Light gardening, walking too fast or too long, still make me sore in the morning, it's just not as bad. Have others had immediate relief on prednisone?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Connect
I might be in the minority, but in my opinion PMR is not a single disorder. I believe it is a group of similar disorders that do not fit into any of the other disorders. That would account for the different experiences of symptoms, prednisone dosage and tapering results, even if you take into consideration our individual immune systems.
@kjoed53
You are probably correct to think this:
"PMR is not a single disorder. I believe it is a group of similar disorders that do not fit into any of the other disorders. That would account for the different experiences of symptoms, prednisone dosage and tapering results, even if you take into consideration our individual immune systems."
Many people believe the same thing.
-------------------------
"The combination of at least three autoimmune diseases in the same patient is defined as multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS). About 25 percent of patients with autoimmune diseases have a tendency to develop additional autoimmune diseases."
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3150011/
-----------------------
I learned about MAS about 30 years ago .... after I was diagnosed with my first autoimmune disorder. A genetic test was done and I was found to be susceptible to HLA-B27 syndrome. I learned many things about symptoms from overlapping autoimmune disorders but it was easier to think about one thing at a time. I have also learned to take every autoimmune diagnosis with a grain of salt.
https://spondylitis.org/research-new/is-it-good-or-bad-to-be-hla-b27-positive-findings-from-an-saa-sponsored-survey/
---------------------------
PMR/GCA aren't included in HLA-B27 syndrome but the symptoms are all the same. The only difference is you might have symptoms at a younger age while PMR/GCA waits until you are older.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551523/
----------------------------
I don't know how important it is however, artificial intelligence discloses this little tidbit.
"The Northern European Link
High Carrier Rates: While roughly 8% of the general Caucasian population carries the HLA-B27 marker, the frequency climbs significantly in Northern European populations (reaching up to 16% in parts of northern Sweden and Finland)."
@tweetypie13
I remember a yoga instructor saying to pulling up your right knee/ leg up first (then do the left leg. ) It helps w/the movement of what’s in your bowels.
@kare1 🤣
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was in severe pain with PMR. Prescribed 20mg prednisone. Immediate relief. After 2 weeks went down to 5mg but pain returned when stopped. 5mg prescribed to 5mg again for 2 months. Pain is bearable now with stretching and continued movement. What caused it ? My son thought it was stress and worries ( family problems with grandchildren) Not sure.
@baydog0937 wow, that’s a very fast taper off prednisone. I was told no more than 10% drop per taper. If you are still “fighting” discomfort, ask the dr abt an increase until pain free for at least 2 wks. The try taper again. You need relief to heal, shall we say.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@tweetypie13 Thsnk you for your response. Yes I stay in touch with my doctor and will see how 5mg is a correct dosage for me .
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@baydog0937
Going from 20mg to 5mg after two weeks is fast. I have been tapering since May because I also have SMM now. I couldn't even go from 25 to 20. I had to do 2.5mg drops until I hit 10. I'm now at 6mg and I'm feeling it. Thankfully I start kevzara this week.