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I think I have PMR and I’m terrified
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 14 10:09am | Replies (109)Comment receiving replies
Yep to therapy. When I was hit w/PMR January 2025 (71.5 yrs old). I too was shocked, gobsmacked, bamboozled, furious- hey man, I said, I was always healthy. What just happened? Am I a failure? Then the idea of prednisone for 2 yrs? Drove me to crying on the sofa. Got the prednisone & it worked overnight. But mentally I felt a loser failure. It drove me to therapy which really was a blessing. I almost thanked PMR for getting me to recognize the importance of therapy. So here I am now just turned 73! I’ve been lowering prednisone VERY SLOWLY. Now alternating 1 & 1.5 mg & still taking methotrexate which was prescribed may 2025!
I can walk which is a fav, newly going to the Y pool to bob around. Keep moving is my key. And take a nap when needed. My hips do ache if I sit too long! Yeah you might gain prednisone weight lose some hair & but it does puff out facial lines (lol) but as you step down your body changes back to your more normal.
I can handle the occasional discomfort prettily easily. That Tylenol for arthritis seems to be very helpful- Tho bummed arthritis creeping up in shoulder joints.
None in my family has this condition not my mom or grandma ( who lived into their 90’s) that I know of. & my 5 brothers/sisters seem free of the PMR & arthritis. I am the oldest so who knows. Anyway I just have to keep moving! Eat vitamins, drink a lot of water, vegan (tho lazy) lifestyle.
Replies to "Yep to therapy. When I was hit w/PMR January 2025 (71.5 yrs old). I too was..."
@kare1 @mlz I am F 64 yo active, gym 6 days a week, hiking etc. yep, does it help to try to see a positive side. Pain started Dec 2025, dx'd january 2026 and I refused the pred side effects and fasted 37 days total (6 and then 31 and BP became excellent) over january, february and beginning March. As I already had hi cholesterol (familial) hi BP this gave me a wake up call. At that point it was simple to stay on a healthy diet, some weight gain (less than the previous loss) and only 6 months pred (mar 20 to sep 9) PMR pain still there but now just shoulder, left and bicep. Like I can barely lift a coffee cup with left arm, more weak than pain. Off pred, more comfortable weight, cholesterol and BP coming down, now hoping hair will come back. So, yes, maybe this was a cardiac wake up call and things will be better going forward.
@kare1 Me too! It was smack to the upside of my head when I was diagnosed in March this year! I also eat plant-based, (for the past 8 yrs since diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Was able to get my ejection fraction back up to normal!) Not being able to get out of bed because I was so stiff and in so much pain was strange for me. I felt like a whiny baby for awhile. The official diagnosis however has made me realize that I don't have to "tough it out" which I am inclined to do. (I am the eldest of 4 and 68 yrs old.) It took me a good 2 months to realize I didn't need to suffer!
All the best to you!
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@kare1 I’ve got that story.
my ortho dr sent me to Aqua PT, and it was a savior. Walking, sideways, backwards, crossover, pool weights for ankles and arms. Easy hour with fresh air. First time on my own, I could not get up the steps to get out 😬 (that’s how weak my legs were).
Yes, arthritis is a bummer. My dr explained the PMR enhanced its latent presence. Good news, my exercise has pretty much pushed it in the side mirror.
Keep up the great work….