Connect
← Return to Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
Discussion
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 18 7:12pm | Replies (1907)Comment receiving replies
Glad to find this group! I was lucky to have been diagnosed early by my PCP in October 2020 and started at 60mg prednisone and began taper after 2 weeks. I also had bilateral biopsy to rule out GCA. Rheumatologist changed me to methylpredisalone, but I don't understand the reason or difference between the two steroids. I'm also on split doses- morning and evening with food. I'd like to better understand these steps. I've been at 20mg Methylpredisalone for 3 weeks. It reduces, but doesn't eliminate the pain and stiffness. Any comments or suggestions?
Replies to "Glad to find this group! I was lucky to have been diagnosed early by my PCP..."
@annvblewis Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support. You don't understand the reason and the difference between the two steroids your provider gave you. You are looking for answers from members that have gone through something similar
It looks like @pfafpa @moni54 responded to your question and gave the advice of asking your provider. May I ask what your provider's explanation was for the medications?
Connect
Welcome to the group. 60 mg is a common starting dose for suspected GCA, but high for PMR. The general rule is to take as little prednisone as controls your pain. We are all a bit different and 20 mg may not be quite enough for you if you’re still in pain. (I started at 40 mg and quickly decreased to 25.) Once you find that sweet spot, you must taper SLOWLY to avoid flares. Many doctors push this process so you can avoid the side effects of prednisone, which are many. However, the side effects can be dealt with and are preferable to PMR pain. Methyl prednisolone is a corticosteroid that is close chemically to prednisone. Ask your doctor to explain why the change occurred. You will find with support from this group that you can manage PMR symptoms and learn to have patience as it can be years before the disease fades. Again, everyone is different so it’s impossible to predict how long a journey you have ahead of you. But now you know you don’t have to travel it alone. I often tell people that PMR isn’t fun, but if you have an autoimmune disease, this is probably the most manageable one to have. Happy Holidays!