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PMR and the new Shingles vaccine
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Dec 27, 2021 | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
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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Thanks for the advice Pfafpa! Be safe in the Phoenix sun! I’ve been able to get at least 6 miles in hiking each day
North of Tucson. Usually it’s mid-90s by the time I get done and every two miles at someone’s hose bib I soak my long sleeve shirt, do-rag, boonie hat and chamois rag I wear under my shirt around my shoulders. That keeps me cool and I drink two 32 ounce bottles of water that has been mixed with Liquid-IV (Pedialyte on steroids). I never had to do all that before taking Prednisone, but seems as if Prednisone messes with my internal temp and heart rate. My heart rate was getting too high so I wear a Polar H10 Chest Strap heart rate monitor and every two minutes the Polar App on my iPhone tells me my average heart rate since the last two minute increment. All of this has helped me be able to continue walking 45 - 60 miles each week. My pace was 16 minutes/mile before PMR, but is now 18 - 19 minutes/mile in order to keep my average heart rate at 120 BPM which is 80% for a 70 year old. When the hot weather is done in the fall, I suspect my pace will pick up. Thanks again!