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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 27 8:38am | Replies (1879)Comment receiving replies
I am85 and have had PMR for over 30 years and have been taking prednisone for all that time. I had tapered to 1m for over 10 years. Recently I had cancer surgery and the surgeon wanted me to go off prednisone before the surgery. The PMR has come roaring back and I am in a lot of pain. I have always been confused about what the effects of prednisone have had on me. Why is it so dangerous? I hate to have to begin again on prednisone as it took me so long to get to 1m. Would love to hear from someone regarding this. Thanks so much.
Replies to "I am85 and have had PMR for over 30 years and have been taking prednisone for..."
I have been on 2.5 mg of prednisone for about 10 years. There are at least 2 published medical studies on long-term use of prednisone that I have posted on this PMR site. Search for my name.
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@marybarbara Well you win the contest no one wants to win in terms of the length of time you've had PMR. You sound like one of those who successfully keeps PMR symptoms at bay with a low dose of prednisone. I'm so sorry that your symptoms have returned. What dosage of prednisone are you on at the moment? I'm wondering if the flare protocol (up your dosage by 5 mgs.) might work for you. If so, you may be able to reduce from 5 mgs or 6 mgs. fairly quickly once you've stabilized.
Prednisone can cause bone loss and stomach issues. At your last low dose of 1 mg. the effects should be minimal.