Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story

Hello,
I always weigh the risks and benefits or at least try too. I did have the flu shot and had no side effects. Cannot say the same about the Covid booster but then again, was it the booster or “ in the cards.” My PMR diagnosis is fairly new and still navigating the waters, however I am convinced that diet plays a key role in controlling symptoms.

I also developed PMR not long after my last COVID booster in early July 2022. I have a moderate case, which I have been managing without prednisone so I don't know how that factors into vaccines. That said, my doctor advised not getting the COVID booster for now but I did get a flu shot last week and there were no flare ups.

Hello,
I guess we will never know for sure if PMR was just waiting to emerge or that a vaccine pushed it over the edge. However now we are stuck with it! I think diet does play a part in getting better. I’m making a conscious effort to eat less carbs as being on prednisone definitely makes one hungrier.

I was diagnosed with PMR in late-November. First, right shoulder swole and arm barely functioned; took ibuprofen for two weeks, but meanwhile left shoulder began to hurt and right breastbone began to swell, then one day I couldn't raise my leg. Internist made preliminary diagnosis and drew blood and put me on prednisone immediately. Pain eliminated in less than 24 hours. Confirmed preliminary diagnosis the following week because of 129% sedimentation rate. Tapered me down to 30 mgs of prednisone, but became slightly symptomatic again. Have shaky hands, want to eat all the time, crave sweets, getting faint beginnings of round face. Breastbone continues to swell and retract.

Yes, although I love sweets, I have made a conscientious effort to eliminate as much as I can because you are right, the hunger never ends! Hard around this time of year. I’ve also cut out red meats.
Are you finding that hydration also determines how you feel in the am?

Feel about the same in the am. So far all the pain is gone but I’m still on 9 mg of Prednisone. Just started with 15 mg in September so I have awhile to go. Every time I get some new symptom, I worry about getting the GCA sister of PMR. I have slight headaches along with runny nose but they never get worse - think it’s probably winter allergies. My eyes get irritated but I think it’s due to my corneas being roughed up as per my eye doctor. Just had cataract surgery in both eyes so it takes awhile to get back to normal. I just hate all the uncertainties but that’s life. Stay strong and well.

Thank you for sharing. Good to know about the flu not causing a flare up. I may start with that. Decisions, decisions.

I’m in the same boat! Tomorrow I begin to taper by 1/2 tablet every other day. Hope it works.

Thank you for reinforcing the dietary. How are you feeling overall? How long have you had pmr? How much pred are you on? I see doc in a few hours to see if sed rate has gone down.

Ah yes, the craving for food, especially sweets! I keep dates and walnuts around all the time. The dates satisfy that craving for sweets and do have good fiber, and the walnuts really help satisfy that feeling of hunger.