PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms
I've read through the discussions and note all the different dosages of prednisone, different lengths of time taking prednisone, plus the addition of other meds, for PMR. I also note that the tapering of dosages and time frames are so varied from person to person. It appears there is not a set standard among physicians. How does one know if they were/are receiving the right dosage? Obviously, if symptoms subside, the dose is working, but after tapering if the symptoms return, was the initial dosage correct? I've also read that a person shouldn't be on prednisone long term, but there are many who've been on it for a few years. Its all very confusing.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Okay, I 100% agree with kmeikle's answer to you. Take a good look at it if you haven't already. When you are at 7mg, you are in the "adrenal zone". It's a touchy time. You need to go slower than you have in the past. Half a mg. at a time is plenty. Some even go a qtr. of a mg at a time. Buy a pill cutter.
Interesting idea. I will talk to my rheumatologist about doing this.. Thanks.
I have recently split my dose of prednisone taking 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg a 3 pm. This has made a huge difference in my pain level in the mornings. I just tapered to 12.5 mg and am continuing to space the dosage. Remaining hopeful this will work.
Does anyone have numbness and prickly feeling in both legs and feet. More on my right than left. I am not sure if it is from PMR or my back issues.
I do have issues with my feet and legs. I do also have back pain. However I must say the lower leg and feet issues are most concerning as it has affected us my mobility. Prednisone has helped my pain , and Tylenol for Arthritis make it so I do the best I can. I do live in Canada 🇨🇦 so am very thankful for the great information from this group. One day at a time we cope.
@johnbishop: I used an old "connect" link to ask about a situation I am experiencing. This the second time I have not received the automatic links to new messages. When it happened before it corrected itself about the third day. Anything I should do? SueTex
Hi @suetex, I'm wondering if you somehow got unsubscribed to email notifications for groups/discussions you were following? @colleenyoung or one of the moderators should be able to check for you. Anytime you have any problems or questions about Connect, it's good to send a message to the moderators using the contact form (link in the footer column on every page). Here's the link to the form - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/
I have prickly feelings but not numbness in my legs (near ankle and knee) occasionally. It seems like it happens more often after I have done more activity than usual. I have a couple of topical creams I use which generally help.
I think it is related to the PMR because I didn’t have this previously.
Not sure about that as the subscribe link indicated that I was subscribed, so I didn't change it. And the situation did correct itself the first time without me doing anything. Seems a puzzle. Thanks for your info.
Hi...I have bad pain in my back, hips, and thighs. I also have really swollen ankles...even the tops of my feet. PMR is so fun. I also think the increased inflammation has made other conditions worse...such as knee and shoulder pain. I am using the back and hip pain as my guide on the pred because the pain is not related to.activity and I never had issues with my back (the other guide is neck pain) until PMR. I think there are similarities to what you are experiencing. Just need to see how it goes. Hang in there.