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

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: May 24, 2023 | Replies (83)
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@georgev

New to the site. Diagnosed with PMR in March and with another underlying condition told it likely an immune system response to the first Pfizer CoVID shot. Doc says this can be treated and still better off being vaccinated.

Prescribed a Prednisone regime with a 1 MG stepdown each 30 Days. After feeling OK (not great) for several months, symptoms started to return when starting the 8MG a day about six weeks ago, becoming much worse now six months into the program at 7MG per day. Called my Rheumatologist this past Monday who suggested going back to 8MG for a couple weeks before continuing the step down.

Symptoms continue to return and now as troublesome as first diagnosed. Have a call in to the doctor hoping to hear back tomorrow. Also planning to schedule a "second opinion visit" with another physician next week.

Haven't read through all the site responses here yet, but has anyone else experienced the steroids losing effectiveness?

Thanks

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Replies to "New to the site. Diagnosed with PMR in March and with another underlying condition told it..."
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 12, 2021

Hello @georgev, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. When it comes to tapering off of prednisone slow and easy is the way to go. You mentioned your rheumatologist suggested tapering down 1 mg every 30 days. My first round with PMR took me 3-1/2 years to taper off of prednisone with the last six months going back and forth by-weekly between 1 mg and 1/2 mg. What really helped me was keeping a daily pain scale and dosage log. It was recommended by my rheumatologist and left up to me to determine my pain level between 0 and 10. I generally tapered down only if my pain level was 2 or lower and tried it for a few days. If it got worse I went back to the previous dosage.

You might be interested in reading what other members have shared on tapering in the following discussions:
-- PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-dosages/
-- Tapering off of Prednisone: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prednisone/

Have you made any diet or lifestyle changes to help with your PMR symptoms?

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