Hi @suebep, Welcome to Connect. I think most of us affected by PMR can agree with everything you say about this condition I call Mr. Ugly. I struggled with it for about a month before going to a rheumatologist who started me on 20 mg daily dose of prednisone. Less than a couple of hours after taking the first dose of prednisone I was a happy camper and back to feeling my normal self. I did have a significant weight gain (30+ pounds) and it took me 3 and half years to taper off of prednisone but I would do it again in a heartbeat. It went into remission for six years and again I was started on 20 mg prednisone which really got me back to normal quickly. It was the second time around that I started looking for lifestyle and diet changes I could make to help with the condition.

It took me a year and half to taper off of prednisone the second time around and a big part of that I think were the diet and lifestyle changes I made. This also helped me control the weight gain which I was able to keep around 5 pounds. I think the changes you can make will help but I don't think it will make it go away but that's just my personal opinion. Here's some information you might find helpful - Can Diet Affect Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?: https://www.healthline.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica-diet

There are a couple of other discussions you may find helpful:
— Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr-meet-others-share-your-story/
— Tapering off of Prednisone: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prednisone/

From what I've read, most of the really bad side effects are from long term use of prednisone, which is why my rheumatologist encouraged me to taper off as soon as possible. The only caveat he gave me was to listen to your body, don't taper too fast. What is the side effect you worry about the most?

Between Mayo Connect and HealthUnlocked PMR group out of the UK, there are many thousands of us and I haven't read of one who was able to deal with real PMR without prednisone. I was diagnosed two years ago at age 72. I have difficulty tapering below 10 mgs. and that's where I am at the moment. We all want off of prednisone, but the objective is to find a place where the discomfort can be tolerated well and then taper slowly (never more than 10% of current dose). In terms of side affects, weight gain can be managed (low carb); the thinning of skin is annoying; bone loss can be dealt with with alendronate sodium. No one likes prednisone, but it allows us to live life. Best to you. Kathy

I’ve had PMR for 18 months. Started at 10 mg prednisone, got down to one and then my numbers skyrocketed for no reason (not much pain, but some). My dr put me back up to 5 mg and I’m on methodextrate (?) I have had NO side affects (maybe thin skin, but that happens with age!!). No weight gain, no sleep issues, none. I am most grateful, of course. So I wanted to encourage you that side affects are NOT a given!!