1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Prednisone tapering: How did you do it pain free?

Posted by betsyhase @betsyhase, Apr 5 12:40pm

I started Prednisone on 2/6/26 after being diagnosed with PMR. My starting dose was 12.5mg which gave me great relief but not totally. My PCP wants me to decrease by 1 mg per month. My concern is that I am noticing the joints in my hands are still swollen and stiff. This is an improvement from where I started but not my normal. My knees are in pain and weakness in my legs is constant. I am also retaining fluid by noticing my weight going up and feeling puffy. I am to get some bloodwork done on 4/9.
My question is did you get completely pain free with Prednisone?

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walterl | @walterl | 2 days ago
In reply to @cwbf "@mech I dont notice any side effects from Kevzara. I began in early December and if..." + (show)
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@mech
I dont notice any side effects from Kevzara. I began in early December and if I experienced any adverse effects I would remember. I keep a diary and there are no recorded side effects from Kevzara.

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@cwbf
There are reported side effects of pneumonia and UTI’s. I had both last December. Kevzara was very painful to administer as well. I’ve had PMR for over 10 years. I no longer take anything for it. If I experience a flare up, I’ll go back on prednisone. I do take Humira for the rheumatoid arthritis that usually accompanies PMR at some point in time. The RA is very painful, but the Humira is working well. I’m a 77 year old woman spending summers in WA and winters in AZ. Staying active outside helps me sleep better and keeps my mental health positive.
Best of luck on your PMR journey.

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kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | 1 day ago
In reply to @walterl "@cwbf There are reported side effects of pneumonia and UTI’s. I had both last December. Kevzara..." + (show)
Profile picture for walterl @walterl

@cwbf
There are reported side effects of pneumonia and UTI’s. I had both last December. Kevzara was very painful to administer as well. I’ve had PMR for over 10 years. I no longer take anything for it. If I experience a flare up, I’ll go back on prednisone. I do take Humira for the rheumatoid arthritis that usually accompanies PMR at some point in time. The RA is very painful, but the Humira is working well. I’m a 77 year old woman spending summers in WA and winters in AZ. Staying active outside helps me sleep better and keeps my mental health positive.
Best of luck on your PMR journey.

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@walterl
Were you using the kevzara pen?

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jandee | @jandee | 14 hours ago

Off Prednisone one month (two previous unsuccessful tries). Never pain free. On Methotrexate 5 months with no benefit. Until I see the rheumatologist this week, trying to manage with two doses of Tylenol Arthritis a day. It helps but....

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betsyhase | @betsyhase | 10 hours ago
In reply to @jandee "Off Prednisone one month (two previous unsuccessful tries). Never pain free. On Methotrexate 5 months with..." + (show)
Profile picture for jandee @jandee

Off Prednisone one month (two previous unsuccessful tries). Never pain free. On Methotrexate 5 months with no benefit. Until I see the rheumatologist this week, trying to manage with two doses of Tylenol Arthritis a day. It helps but....

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@jandee
I am still wondering if I will ever feel better. Methotrexate gave me diarrhea. Orencia infusions x 3 and wondering when I should feel better. Also in a slow taper off Prednisone. I still hurt all over. Frustrating.

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