New member,
My PMR started April 2018. At the time I was on 25mg of statin which I resisted for years. I was on it for about a year when one day I started having thigh pain thinking it was a pulled groin muscle but when it started on the on the leg I stopped statins. The pain spread till I couldn't walk or manage to drive. My caregiver put me on doxycycline for lyme but had no results. In order to get through the day I was eating ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours around the clock. this went on for 6 weeks till I was finally diagnosed with PMR. Started on 20mg of prednisone tapering when I could but after 4 years in April and many resurgent flairs I now am on 10mg sublimating with one ibuprofen before bed to wake with discomfort till I can take my prednisone.
It is my strong opinion and has been since beginning that the statins started the PMR nightmare although my rheumatologist dismisses it. I'm hopeful someday to be done with this.
Thank you for your ear,
MaryAnn
Hi MaryAnn @maryannhaller, Welcome to Connect. My first occurrence of PMR lasted for 3 and half years and like you I had trouble tapering down with prednisone. I also started with 20mg. I spent the last six months going back and forth between 1mg and 1/2mg dosage until I was finally able to stop taking it and only had minor aches and stiffness which got better after I got up and started moving around. My second occurrence of PMR came after being in remission for 6 years, but this time I had made a few lifestyle changes which I think made it possible for me to taper off of the prednisone in a little over a year and half. Most of the lifestyle changes that helped me was losing a little weight, including exercising and eating healthier - eliminating a lot of the extra sugar intake, processed foods and fast food take outs. Here's some information that you might find helpful if you have not already tried it.
Can Diet Affect Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?: https://www.healthline.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica-diet
Have you tried any lifestyle changes to see if they might help also?