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PMR and the new Shingles vaccine
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Dec 27, 2021 | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for checking in John. I reduced the Prednisone by 2.5 mg two weeks ago so down from 20 mg to 17.5 mg. The plan is to drop another 2.5 mg every month for the next three months so by mid-October I’ll be at 10 mg and will reduce .5 to 1 mg monthly from there forward and adjust as necessary. I’ve been able to live my life as normal as possible and have been averaging 7 - 8 miles a day hiking north of Tucson so no leg issues. I have noticed if I do a lot of things with my hands, especially if I’ve had a busy day where I’m overly exhausted, my hands will cramp up and my fingers will involuntarily point in different directions. Very weird! Also on my sides about chest high I have lots of little round flat blood blisters under the skin. They aren’t raised just looks like red dots. Anyway maybe that’s a function of the Prednisone. Oh well, life’s good at 70!
Replies to "Thanks for checking in John. I reduced the Prednisone by 2.5 mg two weeks ago so..."
@drtiminaz, It sounds like you have a pretty good plan for tapering off of prednisone and it's going well. I've had the hand cramps but mine are more associated with my carpal tunnel I think. I've not seen the small blisters you are describing but do believe you may be correct about being a side effect of the prednisone. Maybe other members can share their experience. I did find an article that talks about it.
Excerpt from article linked below -- "Long-term use of strong steroids can cause widespread purpura and bruising, normally on extensor surfaces of the hands, arms and thighs. It is caused by atrophy of the collagen fibres supporting blood vessels in the skin. A similar appearance is also found in senile-type purpura."
-- Purpuric Rashes: https://patient.info/doctor/purpuric-rashes
Have you mentioned the symptoms to your primary care doctor? It might be a good idea just to discuss the symptoms with a doctor or pharmacist.
Dr. Tim, a few thoughts from a similar PMR sufferer: I just turned 72 and like you, continue to walk and play golf quite a bit (I’m
In Phoenix). The key for taking Prednisone is to NOT have a preset tapering schedule. The disease sets the schedule. Your goal is to take the least amount that fully voids all of your PMR related pain. We are all different and cannot predict in advance when to taper; rather taper slowly when you are feeling good and see if it works. You want to avoid flares if possible. No one wants to be on Prednisone, but it sure beats PMR pain, so go slow. On the positive side, no one wants PMR either, but it sure beats most other autoimmune diseases so in that sense we can count our blessings!
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My worst flare-up occurred when I went from 12.5 down to 10 mg of pred. Had to start over at 20 mg again. decrease very slowly is the key and it does work!