Diagnosed with PMR 2 1/2 years ago. How do I manage the extreme pain?

Hello @kathleenkapes, Welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear you had a PMR flare up after your vaccine. Have you seen a rheumatologist or started treatment for the PMR yet?

Yes. Started 15 mg. On Monday, after two trial weeks to be sure it would work. Also was tested for Lyme, had two MRI’s, and 2 xrays. Lots of blood work. I’m into my 8th month of pain and weakness. PT made it worse.

Looking for clarity on prednisone tapering. When I was at 16mg I had zero symptoms. I’m now at 8 and wake up with symptoms that are tough to deal with until the prednisone kicks in, at which point symptoms are largely abated. I’m not clear if in tapering the goal is to be symptom-free with none of the telltale aches and mobility issues or to manage symptoms when waking up to them?

@heatrey, I think that's why my rheumatologist suggested I keep a daily pain and prednisone dosage log. If my pain as above a 1 or 2 on my personal pain scale, I did not taper to the next lower dose and I went a few extra days at the same dose on my tapering schedule to see if the pain dropped below 2. There were times when I had to increase the dose for a week to see if it got better. The trick for me was to use smaller increments when tapering down which is where 2.5 mg and 1 mg tablets came in handy.

I also believe The COVID 19 shot caused my PMR - started with 20 MG of Prednisone in July, now down to 5 Mg - I refuse to take the Covid booster.
Dudah

I know two people who had it and they’re both fine today.