Hi Glenn @glenner075, I see that you are new to Connect so I would like to add my Welcome and thank you for sharing about taking prednisone. I've been on prednisone twice for the two occurrences of PMR. I recently was able to taper off this past February. I had a flair of gout back in 2007 but was given a different drug colchicine which helped get rid of the uric acid crystals I think. The PMR was a miracle drug for the PMR. The pain was pretty bad without it. I think most of the side effects from prednisone are from long term usage.

John

I have had Poly Myalgia (PMR) (Greek meaning - Many aching muscles) for over 13 years. You and I know that it is treated with prednisone. I was weaning off of the prednisone earlier this year (down to 1 mg) when I got a big flare up. I am fortunate to have had very good strong bones prior to the start of PMR. Having been on strong doses of prednisone has left me with lots of osteoporosis and lots of crapey thin skin. About 12 years ago I was in a study at the Mayo Clinic for PMR. I had to inject a shot in myself once a week. I don't know what was in the shot, but it left me feeling wonderfully normal. It had only one side effect of diarrhea and vomiting for a large part of the day after the shot. The study was stopped because of that side effect.

Sorry , I too am a suffer of PMR for ten years .....no more said but left me with thin skin perticularly on my forearms.....it might make you feel a little better if you address the problem of your skin.....

I tried also lots of things on my armsdidnt make any difference .....saw the Tree Hut range of creams ....it is working for me the Shea moisturating butter is good for the forearms and I use the Body lotion elsewhere.....I haven't got rhyno skin any more ....still thin can't change that ......hope this helps Beryl