I have been on Prednisone 15 mg since July when my Dr. was finally able to figure out my issue. I too thought I was getting older with all my aches and pains. We did an e consult with a Rheumatologist and she agreed with the PMR dx after looking at all the lab results and symptoms I am having. I have an appt to see her but not until March.

I have also been Dx with MGUS and they did a total body X-ray and found 1 5mm lesion on my skull bone. That has led me to a bone marrow bx so I’m waiting for those results so we can make a plan. I have been poked and prodded for 6 months so I am so ready to make a plan and get healthy again.

After I have had Covid and flu vaccines I seem to have a flare in pain symptoms. That makes sense as they are to given to give an immune response to the disease. I think taking the vaccines out ways the increase in pain for a few weeks to be protected. Nock on wood, no illness. I mask when I’m shopping in a places where there are alot of people. Wash grocery cart handle and hands etc. I felt more pain for the last couple months after getting vaccines but now things have calmed down again so I am hoping to start tapering here soon. Didn’t report the increased pain to my Dr as she may have increased the prednisone and I think 15 mg is enough and didn’t want more prednisone sx.

I watch my diet as far as sugar intake, wt and BP as prednisone can affect those things. I exercise 15-30 minutes a day depending upon my pain. I walk in the house (live in mN) and do upper body exercises. This helps my sugar, BP, wt and pain also.

Less pain once I start exercising so will continue to do that.

I don’t take any meds/supplements unless my pharmacist and dr. know and agree. Taking too much of anything is not good and can affect other body systems.

PMR is the pits and MGUS has its own course that may or may not progress to something else.

Why me? I keep asking that question. I don’t drink, smoke and have tried to live a clean life.

All I can do is listen to the experts, do my own research on REPUTABLE sites and make as much of an informed decision as I can.