Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), prednisone and Coronavirus COVID-19

Yes good advice , but remember most doctors may be overwhelmed in the next few weeks.
Staying away from people is a really important step That May include family members who could have been exposed ,

Make a plan to amuse yourself if in isolation I decided today to visit one country every day via the internet It can keep me interested for a long time , just enjoying the beauty of the land and the culture

Added stress right now is not a good thing Everyone on this side can use the internet
We are more fortunate than a lot of people our age who do not use this wonderful tool !

@bridgegoddess I love your idea of visiting one county per day via computer! Do you look up certain things about a country, or just visit?

Hi @bridgegoddess, I second that. What a great idea. I'd like to ask you to start a discussion in the COVID-19 group to tell people about this idea. Perhaps you could post what country you're visiting and encourage others to join you. This way we can have a social connection while being social distanced.

Here's how:
1. Go to the COVID-19 group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/
2. Click the grey button START A DISCUSSION.
3. Enter a title that invites people to join you. Perhaps something like: Let's travel the world virtually: Join me on a trip?
4. Write your message about what you do, why, and how you do it. Then invite others to join you.

What do you think?

I got the feeling he didnt really know but he was supportive of a plan to get off it if possible so i will try going down to 1 mg tomorrow and 1/2 mg in a week etc. he told me to just watch to ensure the pain doesnt become unbearable

Hello @kathylovgren, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. There is another discussion on your question already. I'm tagging our moderator @ethanmcconkey to see if we can move your post to the following discussion where you can meet other members with PMR and COVID-19 questions.

> Groups > Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) > PMR and Coronavirus
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/coronavirus-and-pmr/

You may also be interested in following the main PMR discussion here:
> Groups > Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) > Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr-meet-others-share-your-story/

I also have PMR but it is currently in remission and I've been off of prednisone for close to 2 years now. I think you probably need to balance the benefits of taking prednisone - is it keeping you pain free, verses the risks - possible reduced immune system, which there are some things you can do to help reduce the risks. Have you had a chance to talk with your rheumatologist?

John Is there any information about once you are off prednisone how long it would take to have your immune system return to pre PMR if it was reduced during active PMR? Also do you have access to general information about reducing the risk. Thank you for your continued help you have been great.

Hi Alan @alanbruce, I haven't seen any PMR specific information for COVID-19. Mayo Clinic has a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 that has a topic for how to reduce your risks.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reduce-your-covid-19-risk-wash-hands-clean-cell-phones-and-workstations/
Did you see the new Group added to Connect for COVID-19? It has a lot of discussions that you might find helpful during this stressful time.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/

What is the advice for taking prednisone to help reduce pmr symptoms versus reduced immune system and this virus?

Hi @kathylovgren @alanbruce @johnbishop I moved your discussion about prednisone, PMR and the coronavirus to this existing discussion on the topic. Click VIEW & REPLY to read through the past messages and to connect with others.

There was a message from the rheumatology practice that I go to that told patients what medications they would have to stop if they were diagnosed with the Coronavirus. Prednisone was on the list, but only if you were taking more than 20 mg. (And said to call them for taper). At lower doses, I expect we are OK. And this was only if you were diagnosed. Otherwise, you were supposed to stay on your meds.