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← Return to PMR and Methotrexate
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I was diagnosed with PMR a year ago. Started on 15mg of prednisone then gradually tapering off to 5mg by December. I couldn’t cope with the pain so my doctor put me up to 7.5 which was still bad so I am finally now on 10mg. In the mean time I had my appointment with the rheumatologist at the hospital last week and he want me to try methotrexate, I have had to have a chest X-ray and blood tests first as lungs and liver must be ok. I am a little scared but think it’s worth a try as I don’t seem to be able to get off prednisone and this is a way of doing so. I should be starting my course this week, weekly dose of methotrexate and also have to take a folic acid supplement alongside. Blood tests every 2 weeks for 6 weeks, reviewing after 3 months then will start reducing prednisone. I look forward to seeing how your experience goes.
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Have been in a lot of pain. Been off prednisone, but on methytrexate for 2 months with absolutety no help.At wits end.
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Hello @quasermum, welcome to Connect. I was put on 20 mg prednisone with my first occurrence of PMR and it took me 3 years to taper off of prednisone. The last six months I was going back and forth between 1 mg and 1/2 mg until I was finally able to stop taking prednisone and not have much pain. There is no set time for tapering as each of us are different. My rheumatologist worked with me through the tapering schedule to make changes that helped me deal with the pain. Here's an article that may provide more information.
Methotrexate overlooked for treating PMR
-- http://medicalrepublic.com.au/methotrexate-overlooked-treating-pmr/13024
Have you talked with your rheumatologist about your concerns?
I have had 2 occurrences of PMR. The first one it took me 3 years to taper off of prednisone. The second occurrence of PMR came 6 years later and it took me about 1-1/2 years to taper off of prednisone. I started with a 20 mg dosage for each occurrence of PMR.