Hello Denise (@denisechochran) -- welcome to Mayo Connect. We're glad you found us. I'm sorry you have to deal with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). I also have PMR and the first episode I was close to your age and was on prednisone for 3 years. I was gradually able to taper the dosage until I no longer had any symptoms from the PMR. The good news is that once it's under control you can usually get back to your normal life. I would recommend talking with your primary care doctor when you get back home and ask them about a referral to see a rheumatologist and then discuss with them a plan to taper off of the drug.

Hoping it goes into remission for you quickly and stays there.

John

Thank you for your kind words and I again sit here in gratitude which i have an overabundance of since I chose to look at this experience as a blessing.... Now as to the future one is a tad apprehensive because of the diagnosis 'Mixed' Connective Tissue Disease which strongly implies as does my readings on this site, that this has possibilities to hit me in different ways at consecutive times during this process.... The overlap clearly reads that way.... So if one can maintain keeping this at bay for years I would be truly blessed; I just do not know...

Thank you so much John!  3 years? Did you have nasty side affects?

The only negative side effect I've had with prednisone has been weight gain. The first round with PMR I gained about 20+ lbs but was able to lose it after it went into remission. This second round I'm dealing with I have bounced up and down about 5 to 8 lbs and have been more focused on not letting it get out of control. I think exercise plays a big part. The first round I didn't do much because of the pain. The second round I learned that a little exercise and just keep moving helps a lot with PMR. I try to find a balance and not over do it.

John

Yes one feels good then out of the clear blue you wake up & you have PMR. Now unfortunately the only thing that will get rid of the pain is Prednisone there is nothing out there that will stop the pain or cure PMR. As far as seeing a rheumatologist he or she might be able to help but there is a lot that even the specialist do not know or understand about PMR.

Your right on the exercise regimen it helps with the dealing with the discomfort of PMR also weight control. Myself I don't know if it was all the gym work that I put in but I never put on weight but then you made me aware of that being on pred. Last Friday after 10 months with being diagnosed with PMR I was able to play a round of golf with absolutely no joint aches at all, Yes steroids can be a nasty drug but carefully taken it works.

For what it's worth, I practice Tai Chi everyday that I am physically capable of doing so..... I find that this movement meditation is a gift that keeps giving to myself..... The benefits are well known for anyone who actually spends the time to learn these simple movements.... the great part is that only in the doing, will you learn this.... You must row this boat yourself....

@denisecochran Wow, did they check you for Valley Fever in Arizona? It is a very common illness there that mimics muscle and joint disease. If they did not check, be sure that you get checked for it. It can make you very sick. Many tourists get it,since the bacteria live in the sand and are breathed in by people. Just a thought!

HI! I don't think they checked me for that since i went to the urgent care just 5 days after I arrived in AZ and the symptoms started as we were driving down there from MN

Just being picky: but they’re not bacteria—they’re spores. And you’re right, valley fever can be lifeThreatening.C