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Prednisone and Pain

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 1, 2023 | Replies (111)

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@johnbishop

Hello @mnmom1, Welcome to Connect. Several members have mentioned splitting their prednisone dosage to help with the pain. I've had PMR twice and never tried splitting the dose but I also started at 20 mg for both occurrences and tapered slowly using the pain in the morning as my guide to tapering. My rheumatologist had me keep a daily log of my pain level in the morning and the dosage of prednisone. I made some changes my second time around with PMR which I think made it a little easier to get off of the prednisone and handle the inflammation. Here's some information on things that might help:
-- Polymyalgia rheumatica diet: Foods to eat and avoid:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321683
It can be overwhelming when first diagnosed. My doctor was always asking if I had pain in my scalp or temple area as they were concerned about Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) which some people have along with the PMR and it's much more serious. It also requires a higher dose of prednisone. I don't think it hurts to try splitting the dose between morning and late afternoon or evening. If the pain doesn't improve, it would give you more to discuss with your doctor.

Do you keep a daily log of your pain and prednisone dosage?

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Replies to "Hello @mnmom1, Welcome to Connect. Several members have mentioned splitting their prednisone dosage to help with..."

I have started keeping track of my pain. Just seems like the prednisone doesn't hold my pain for a full 24 hours. Thanks for the tips. I will call a pharmacist and check this out and let you know what I find out. I don’t see a Rhuematologist until March at Mayo in la crosse so will have check that out as I need to get that going.

Thank you!