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Alternative to Prednisone for Treating PMR?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 25, 2023 | Replies (68)
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@virginiaj

I did try acupuncture and actually had a few strange pains the following days, one felt like sciatica, the other a tooth/jaw pain. I didn’t know at the time that I had underlying PMR, thought I just had aches and pains. Talked to acupuncturist who said that accupuncture strengthens the immune system which is the exact opposite you want if you have an autoimmune disease. About 3 months later, had full-blown PMR, but think it was underlying when I had the accupuncture. It is still active, but I am now down to 2-3 mg. Prednisone, taking my time decreasing. Acupuncturists vary, but if I would do it, would make sure acupuncturist has knowledge of autoimmune disease so they don’t make it worse

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karinaph | @karinaph | Mar 7, 2022

Thanks Virginia, very valuable information. Yeah, it’s a very tricky malady to address without enciting it! I am in the middle of a “flare” which has me somewhat defeated since I was down to 4 mg after nearly two years. Then along comes the tidal wave of whole body pain and immobility. Had to go to 40, now at 20 but decreasing only by 2 mg /week. Agonizingly slow but I have no choice. I get the GCA symptoms too, nothing to sneeze at. My first bout with this, I never had more than 15 to start, so this is humbling,. I was going to seek out acupuncture, but I think maybe I will not. Be well and hope you can get off the juice, but 2-3 is not bad at all. May have to live with that?

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