Prednisone can cause osteoporosis so I began by taking a good calcium supplement. I had an onslaught of muscle cramps after a few weeks of prednisone and started a Magnesium supplement which has helped a lot. I don’t have solutions for the other issues I’ve experienced but just wish you good luck on your journey.

I'm sorry you have PMR at such a young age. I have just recovered from my second bout of PMR. The first appeared thirteen years ago when I was 62. It resolved completely within six months and I was free of pain until I received my first Covid vaccine in January of this year, when I experienced a severe recurrence. With the help of a skilled rheumatologist, I was able to bring the symptoms under control in a few days and I am now in the process of tapering off of prednisone, which is, in my experience, the only effective treatment. I have continued to feel better, even though I am decreasing the prednisone at two-week intervals. The most recent lab results verify that the inflammation has resolved. I hope your journey with PMR will end in a successful resolution and that you will not have any recurrences. Sending my very best wishes to you for healing and recovery.

Hi reesh, At 70, It wasn't too hard for me to come to terms with PMR + GCA. If I was diagnosed earlier in life, I might have felt differently. I did everything to be healthy, diet and exercise wise, but we have no say about our genetics. A friend who's a very good doctor was quick to tell me that when properly managed, these disorders don't impact mortality. My mother-in-law got GCA in her 80s and lived to be nearly 100. On prednisone, it's important to keep moving and do weight bearing exercises, like walking, as it impacts bones. My rheumatologist is okay with my taking calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K1. Periodic scans that check bone density are recommended because of prednisone. Also, prednisone suppress the immune system so avoid situations, people, etc., that could put you at risk of infection. If you check out the exercise group, you'll see that overdoing it can cause flareups and the sudden onset of terrible pain, requiring an increase in prednisone dosing. If you haven't gotten one, ask your doctor for a tapering schedule and what to do if pain comes back. Also, be on the lookout for strange pains in your head, neck, scalp tenderness, problems chewing food, and trouble seeing - symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis, which requires a higher dose of prednisone and which you should let a doctor know about immediately. My doctor friend told me if I had any problem seeing, or with flashing lights to get to an ER immediately - it was an emergency. Pace yourself when doing chores, rest when tired, and know you don't have to be perfect. This group is great because we've all been through this extraordinary experience of PMR, know the pain and the frustration of not knowing what's wrong, often for a long time, and can speak about it openly, vs. bore our friends. I also purchased somethings to make my life easier like an electric can opener, a bidet toilet seat cover, a light weight upright vacuum cleaner and an infrared heating pad (for pain). Since you're still working, check out Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as you may have to request a reasonable accommodation at some point. If you work for a large employer, there may be a policy in place. Also, your state probably has its own laws regarding disability and employment - it's good to be aware of what they are. All the best going forward