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Have you been able to taper prednisone with long lasting success?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 17, 2023 | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
Hello @leon1649, I think the average length of time for most folks with PMR to get into remission and taper off of prednisone is 2 to 5 years. For me, it was 3 and half years for my first episode of PMR and 6 years later the PMR returned and it took me 1 and half years to taper off of prednisone. I've been in remission for about 5 years now so hope it's not close to returning again.
@virginiaj @scpartain @briand3960 @munchie and others may also have some experience or thoughts to share on the topic.
Do you keep a daily log with your prednisone dosage and your pain level when you first get up in the morning?
Replies to "Hello @leon1649, I think the average length of time for most folks with PMR to get..."
I'm in my 1st month of PMR, currently at 17.5 mg and my Dr. wants me to reduce to 15mg and check in in 2 weeks. Ironically, I started at 15mg a month ago, asked to go higher and he moved me to 17.5mg, back to see him 2 days ago and he already wants me to beging taper to 15mg? I told him I had run out of 2.5mg dose for a few days and took 20mg 1 day. I had the least pain from waking up until the next day on 20mg! I met him the next day and he wants me to go to 15mg. I think I will start a journal as suggested here. Thank you...
I liked the 20mg dose but only 1 day he gave me?
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For me, it was a 22 month slow taper. Many things that I read said 6 months to a year. But it really is a marathon not a sprint. I read that people who do have a longer taper many times remain in remission longer too. I have now been off prednisone for a year and a half and doing well. The few times that I tried to speed up my taper, I only ended up in more pain and going backwards rather than forwards. Wishing you all the very best! I am so thankful for this forum. Great job John!