Thankyou for replying. I was wondering if yoga would help at all, or hurt. Now, I think I'll try that soon. Also- I was wondering if getting a massage (gentle one!) would help - or hurt! Have you tried?Would love to try it but I'm afraid. Last night I woke up with foot and leg cramps alot- - immediately blamed the PMR but I know it's probably something else. (/) Thanks again for your reply and I do hope you feel better.

You're welcome.....I havn't tried a massage but I do think it would help.. I also have foot & let cramps. Don't know what the cause is but I try to do some stretching before I go to bed and also massage my feet with lotion before bed. Hang in there. thanks,

I wish I knew if the pain in my hip and back is from the herniated disc I have or the PMR, but I guess it really doesn't matter, it's there. Thanks again for replying. So, the foot and leg cramps you have too-- I'll try the stretching, and the massage. Thanks. The thing that's so frustrating with this is that any normal thing like raking leaves or sitting too long at the computer can bring on a flare in my shoulders and neck--- and I can tell that I'm going from an occasional flare to a daily thing. I'm almost out of prednisone and weaning down, and I am already hurting more. Thanks for letting me vent. Where is your worst pain? Does it limit you alot?

Hey Dyn-Dee...My worst pain used to be in my hips and knees but lately (2mos) it's been in my shoulders. The last couple of weeks it's in my wrists and hands...really difficult when it flares up.I'm not on cortizone...my dr didn't want to go down that road b/c it's so difficult to get off ( more aching as you reduce the dosage as you're experiencing). I'm only taking tylenol most of the time but I do occasionally take tramadol ( a non-narcotic pain reliever). On the BAD days I'm really limited...Oh, I forgot to mention, I am taking low doses of Methretrexate ...7mg's pr week. It takes several months to take effect and I've been on it since Oct and it's starting to help a little...in that the BAD days aren't as often. This is a weird but awful disease. I keep trying to be optomistic and tell myself this is not terminal and others go through a lot of worse things...but it is really hard to live with. Praying for you.

Thanks. I'll pray for you too. I don't get on my email daily anymore so don't think I'm not appreciating your replies... ok? I do.
I have osteoarthritis all over too, so it's hard for me to tell what ache or pain comes from what. I do know it's going to rain all wk and I will be hurting more. Yesterday I put Christmas stuff away and was nervous the whole time about causing another flare. I think I'm going to try very slow stretches each day because I feel like my muscles are turning to mush, afraid to use them. Want to join a yoga class but afraid of that too-- and I haven't been to the gym in mths. The Dr. told me not to use the treadmill b/c of my disc problem, but again, afraid to use anything else too. I tried a massage seat recently, and it didn't cause a flare so maybe... I just know I have to get to work (I work on and off my feet in a school) so I'm "too" carefull at times. Do you work?

Hi, Sorry I've not replied for awhile....I had a very bad week last week....was in bed for 2 days with pain. Finally got going somewhat on Wed. I also feel like my muscles are turning to mush!...Did I mention I'm having Knee replacement surgery in a couple weeks...the 26th. I'm really ready to get it repaired but am nervous about the PMR acting up. Oh well, I don't really have a choice so I just need to be brave! No, I don't work.....I was a teacher until this year and retired. I sure do miss the kids and others I worked with but I just couldn't commit to a whole year with this health thing going on. lucky I'm on Soc. Sec & Medicare I guess. Don't worry about exercising too much...my dr said to do what you feel like doing...even just a stroll around the block is helpful... Have a good week.

Sorry - I haven't been online for quite a while and just saw this. I am wondering how you are doing since the surgery. I will say a prayer for you.
I work at a middle school, a para educator with autism. So far, I can do it. I hope I can continue til I'm able to collect soc. security. I am having new tests done now -- cking me for Chrones and other things--- never ending problems. I will try to ck back and see how you are. If you don't hear from me, don't worry, I will write --- do you have fb? Sometimes I only have time for that and don't get to my emails as much. Hope you are recovering nicely. Boy, that sure is NO fun. Again, prayers are being said. :-)