Thanks for listing all the PMR related discussions on Connect, @johnbishop

@celebrant, I add my welcome. I have merged your message with the discussion called "PMR Anyone?" so that you can additional members talking about Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

Are you able to do any form of activity to help the stiffness?

Hi celebrant my name is Roland. I was diagnosed with PMR 1 year ago (March 2017) I started with 20 mg of pred. a slow process but one year later I am down to 5 mg/day I still have PMR but it is under control. The secret to all of this is stay positive & plenty of exercise. Do lot of walking & hit the gym as you do have to exercise those aching joints like I said it is not easy but you have to do it. My Dr. told me that only the person affected by this disease knows how he or she feels & how much pain one can tolerate before starting to tapering down from the pred. Go slow on the tapering only 1 to 2 mg at a time for at least a month if you feel okay try another 1 mg. You will know if it is to much if so increase it to your last dose. I have been on 5 mg now for 5 weeks & I know I am not ready to cut back any further right now. Like I said only the person affected knows how much pain one can tolerate before hitting the next threshold of cutting back. Another thing watch is the weight gain being on pred. myself I am lucky I have not gained any weight in the year that I have been on pred. maybe it is because of my exercise program I don't know. I eat the same foods as before & I do have my red wine every night. Good luck with all of this.

Hi @rolandhp -- I'm happy to hear you are doing well with your PMR. My PMR may have went into remission again (I hope). I've been on prednisone for a little over a year starting at the 20 mg dosage. My first occurrence of PMR in 2007 took my 3 years to finally get off of prednisone. The second occurrence has been much easier - only a little over a year and I have been off of prednisone for 9 days. I still have a little pain and stiffness in my hands and arms in the morning but it gets better during the day. I was going to try 1/2 mg dose but I think if I can tolerate a little pain for awhile it may go away.

You have a great point on exercise - it's key to keeping the PMR under control.

Good luck to all of us PMR folks in dealing with Mr. Nasty.

John

I want to get to where you are. I know my RA cannot be cured. I am taking chemo when I said oi never would. I won't see pain doctor until May.

Hi @oregongirl, have you tried any kind of diet or changed eating habits to see if it would lessen your RA symptoms or help it? I just ran across a diet for RA on the Arthritis Foundation website. While it wasn't the total answer with my PMR and neuropathy I think it's helped with my overall health.

Nutrition Guidelines for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis:
-- https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/rheumatoid-arthritis-diet.php

John

Yes this is nasty but we have to keep going not give up. Another thing that I do is keep busy that is besides my exercise program. I am very involved with our local PD, Being a small department they appreciate the help I have been with them for 6 years I put in around 40 hours per month sometimes more. Keep moving is the secrete. The only joints that really bother me now is the fingers & wrist especially in the morning sounds familiar doesn't it, but it doesn't bother me I keep my mind busy & try to ignore the discomfort. At least it is not like it was a year ago thanks to your support.