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DiscussionTwo weeks in, frightened by meds, PMR and COVID Booster Shot
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Apr 22, 2023 | Replies (87)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Thank you for the info. I’m totally lost at the moment in this adventure. Your comments..."
Raven1955,
I wanted to share that I was put on Prednisone which my PCP Doctor prescribed because he said he was 99.0% certain it was Lupus. The pain was so severe I barely could walk or move my arms. I went on Prednisone 15 milligrams then one month later started reducing which I did tolerate however, it took me three months to get off totally. Within 6 weeks pain was back, shoulders, both arms, hands, and feet, worse than the onset. The second specialist/Rheumatologist finally diagnosed me, with PMR. I waited 8 months to get in. Her remarks were they shouldn't have pulled me off Prednisone, because full treatment is approximately 2 years, maybe a lifetime. I became ill or in so much pain after the Covid Booster initially, pain and weakness, especially in the arm I where I received the Covid Booster, and the same /shoulder has never stopped hurting. After 6 weeks post Prednisone, the pain was even more severe in my shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, and neck. So back on Prednisone 15 milligrams as per specialist #2 recommendations.. Feel I was lucky to have gotten the 2nd Doctor's opinion who has worked with PMR patients. Although I had to wait 8 months it was worth it. The first Doctor didn't run all the tests and I don't think he took me seriously for some reason. My Primary Care wasn't familiar with PMR but thought it was Lupus. This PMR support group has been a great help to me understand this invisible condition. I recommend seeing a Rheumatologist that is familiar with PMR. Sharing details on this site about what is working and what is not, has been very beneficial. So glad I found this support group and grateful for all the recommendations. Keep moving forward! We can do this if we try.