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Prednisone tapering is challenging. What does remission feel like?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 3, 2023 | Replies (209)Comment receiving replies
I feel ya. I am trying to taper down from 15 mg. Right now I am at 15 mg. after increasing 1.25. Will be tapering by 1 mg. starting on May 26th, so every 2 weeks Neurologist wants me to try going down by 1 mg. I have experienced many different things since tapering from 20 mg. Seems like everything returns, but not at the same time. Last week my jaws started up, so I went to ER as pain was up into my temples. Blood was taken and my CRP was only 3. I do not know if it is a result of the Prednisone, the tapering or the actual PMR. Everyone is different, but we're altogether in this boat. Also, tapering is an individual thing. As I've been advised on here, let your body do the talking. I feel that every 2 weeks is not enough to determine whether your body has accepted a lower dose, but Rheumatologist does not seem to get it. Until you've experienced the pain ups and downs of this infliction, they just don't get it. Best of luck with the roller coaster ride. Cheers ~ Deb
Replies to "I feel ya. I am trying to taper down from 15 mg. Right now I am..."
Hi @mild835, jaw pain and pain in the temples can be symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis which about 30% of those with PMR develop. A higher dosage of Prednisone (usually 40 - 50 mg) is needed to control GCA. If your jaw and temple pain continue, you may need a temporal artery biopsy to rule out GCA. Other symptoms can include a tender scalp, difficulty seeing, and a dry cough. I also had an incredibly stiff neck. It's best to be vigilant, as untreated, GCA can result in blindness and stroke. Wishing you the best, Teri
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In my experience jaw pain and temporal headaches indicated my PMR had advanced to Giant Cell Arteritis.