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PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 6 12:05pm | Replies (442)

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@margaretva

I was put on 12 - 15 mg pred almost a year ago - told to take 15mg on days I anticipated being more active, but target dose was 10 mg. Being on pred was a revelation as my horrible PMR pain was gone, and I was able to enjoy the hiking trip my husband and I had planned for our 35th wedding anniversary. I am grateful my husband found this site, as my rheumatologist seemed a little cavalier about changing dose according to pain or activity level. I read here - mostly thanks to Mentor John - that one needs to reduce gradually. So after initial euphoria over pain reduction and getting my life back, I have now reduced 1/2 mg at least a week at a time to 2.5 with little trouble. I also take methotrexate once a week. My doc tried me on Humira as he didn't think I was getting below 7 mgs of pred soon enough (this was maybe 8 months in). Did OK on it for 2 months - though injecting myself was bizarre - but when I had the pred down to 3.5 I had a terrible injection site reaction to the Humira. Pharmacist and Rheum thought perhaps reaction had been masked by higher pred doses. So no more Humira! We weren't sure it was helping anyway. The last couple of 1/2 mg increment reductions, I have actually gone down by 1/4 for 2 days (tough to split the 1 mg tabs Mentor John recommended into 4, but I do it for a couple of days). Rebound pain is real if I taper too quickly, and it's not a return of PMR pain. Pred rebound pain happens in different places for me than PMR pain - worst in my hands. I also read here - but didn't heed sufficiently! - that we can overdo with sports while on pred. That's been my biggest problem lately = all the strains and stresses I did without realizing it. I can't listen to my body with pred silencing any pain! So I wouldn't back off for a day or 2 as I normally would, if I had overdone a little one day. (I hike, bicycle, and am a competitive equestrian in dressage). So don't overdo as I did! Thank you to Mayo and our volunteers - super helpful info here!

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Replies to "I was put on 12 - 15 mg pred almost a year ago - told to..."

Yea, a fellow equestrian! I am working so hard at just trying to stay in the saddle and figure out what is over use pain, out right injury and PMR pain. For me the PMR indicator is turning out to be my biceps. When PMR first showed up, I went from picking my 35lb western saddle on to my horse's back with no problem to not be able to (Pain!) in one week. (I ride both english and western. ) I knew something was wrong. Legs were just weird and I have never been very limber. Took me way too long to find a Rheumy who could diagnose it. I'm wondering- did anyone else have ANAs done? My SSDNA was way high but everthing else in normal range. Seems like it would mean something. Right now, I have developed a real affection for cold packs for my hip bursitis. They really help. And knowing how much to take on is a real trick. And MSM, please everyone, take a look at that. It's the real deal and no side effects.

I also have pain in my hands. It is not that common. I ordered these comfortable wrist/arm braces from Amazon. They have cushions for the palms of hands and they help a lot. I walk about 20 miles a week, and I actually feel great while I am walking, but developed a stress fracture in my foot. Probably from the Prednisone. Challenging times. My husband sees many patients with this condition since it does affect the eyes. Keep up the good work with your exercise.