what to expect when starting prednisone for PMR

Posted by tonimcbride @tonimcbride, Jul 31, 2025

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

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.

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Profile picture for kjoed53 @kjoed53

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.

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@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.
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"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/
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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/
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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/
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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)."

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Profile picture for tweetypie13 @tweetypie13

@csimmonds I have a functional mobility specialist (trainer) who guides me.
In bed…..(I usually go to the bathroom, grab some water and get back in bed)
Lay on back, for all easy move, DO NOT FORCE BODY. Think of as warm up
Arms lay as goal posts over your head for all exer.
1 knee bent, raise and lower other leg 15, repeat other leg
Both legs bent hip width or more with feet flared out and do windshield wipers, I.e, bend Rt knee to left comfortably, return and bend left knee to Rt repeats-for total of 15 ea side.
Lay on side, move butt back , past shoulders (feels tilted), bend top leg and place knee over lower leg, your top foot will rest on lower leg knee, hold for easy 4 breaths…move will align your body. Repeat with other leg.
Reach your arms straight up to ceiling for 10 ish lifts. (Opens shoulders)
Last…..1 leg straight, other knee bent and pull to chest hold for 30 secs. Repeat other side.
Early on with PMR It was my self imposed goal to some movement, and it’s evolved into the daily warm up for this 80yo body.
Hope it helps and do share any ideas you have

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@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.

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Profile picture for kare1 @kare1

@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.

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@kare1 🤣

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I 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.

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Profile picture for baydog0937 @baydog0937

I 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.

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@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.

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Profile picture for tweetypie13 @tweetypie13

@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.

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@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 .

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