My wife has autoimmune disease. She has inflammation in legs and arms.

Thanks for the info. We have suggested the biopsy, but no response yet. As previously stated my wife's rheumy tried one round of steroids (4mg packet) and it did not work. We have been writing her about PMR, more and stronger steroids and an EMG. She will be reevaluating my wife at a new appt. P.S. My wife worked at a few doctor's offices and is well aware of the medical -merry-go-round that can occur sometimes. I am merely her trained bulldog. We won't give up. God Bless.

You each have an advantage —your wife in knowing how the medical system can bog down, and you in being a bulldog—an intrepid team!

I also have inflammatory arthritis. It gets worse and then better. When I eat spicy or sugary foods it really hits me at night and I cannot sleep. I wish her the best. You sound like a great husband. Take care.

@twinsgyros I'm so sorry your wife's in such pain I can tell you a few things to help at home Ice is good for inflammation as well as swelling I use it all the time .Turmeric and ginger tea or capsules also Arnica tea great for pain I fell and have crushed nerves and lower back pain so I depend on all of these Your Dr,s know slot and help but they don't suggest these as there holistic .Feel better

Special thanks to all the people who took the time to respond to my post. So you all know my wife has a follow up with her rheumatologist in June. In the meantime she had an appointment with her primary doctor and explained all that she has been through (7 images, orhtho, pain mgmt. doctor, neurologist) once again. Her primary prescribed her 10mg prednisone twice a day. Knock on wood, but she is feeling better !!! Hope this regimen continues to help her. More to follow. God Bless you all.

Sounds like PMR symptomatically . Most start with pred 20:to 25mg. I’ve been on 20 since Jan. Tried to reduce to 15 and now back to 20 . From all credible info and my rheumatologist, it’s important to start at a dose that will stop the pain and inflammation for the most part and reduce VERY slowly

Hello @gmanurse, Great advice, I wished more primary care docs understood PMR a little better and the importance of treating the symptoms and not focusing on getting off of prednisone ASAP. It's a given that none of us want to be on prednisone for a long time but not managing the symptoms extends the time on prednisone. I saw the following tapering plan on another site which I wished I would have known about with my first round with PMR.

--- Dead slow and nearly stop reduction plan (Tapering)
https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk/posts/131189593/dead-slow-and-nearly-stop-reduction-plan

Arnica cream can help pain as well. I use it whenever I have a sore muscle.
The spices mentioned also are helpful and can be added to. foods you cook.
You might also take a look at the anti inflammatory diet. It’s surprising sometimes how food we consume is critical to our well being.
Best to you and your wife.

The areas affected make it seem like PMR. Most people with it are started at 15 to 30 mg of Prednisone; 4 seems much too low.

Thanks so much. We are going to see her rheumy in two weeks and see if she advises a higher dose. Still kinda dumbfounded that it took her primary to try a higher dose of prednisone and not her rheumatologist. God Bless.