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PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 27 8:00am | Replies (468)Comment receiving replies
Hi Everyone, I thought I would weigh in as I just had a dr. appt. with my rheumatologist. Recap: I was diagnosed in May 2023, started with 30mg of prednisone for one week, then to25 for one week, then to 20 for two weeks (approx). At our latest appointment she wants me to taper to 17.5mg for the next week, and continue 2.5, taper weekly until I get to 10mg. At 10 mg I will start a very slow taper (probably 1mg or less). Since I started on the prednisone I have had no joint pain whatsoever. Feels like a miracle until I start reading about the long term side effects of this drug. Today I had a dexa scan as I do have osteopenia. I am currently taking 1000 calcium, 2000 vit D, and vit K. Maybe this will offset the calcium leaching effects of the prednisone. I am continuing with a pretty strict anti inflammatory diet which has to be helpful in some way (otherwise I will begin to gorge on hotdogs and brownies). It does seem that doctors assess each patient individually based on so many variables. I also have no other underlying conditions that I know of. Good luck to all. I will keep you posted during this second phase of tapering. Liz Ward
Replies to "Hi Everyone, I thought I would weigh in as I just had a dr. appt. with..."
I have GCA and it took me a long time to get to 10mg, three years, with lots of ups and downs(along with Actemra weekly). I'll be 83 in September.
My rheumatologist, who I really respect, had me reduce by .5 mg every 3-4 weeks after 10mg. You will feel better in many ways but probably fatigued; listen to your body. I'm thankful your doctor looks at the individual. I'm down to 3mg per day. Just had a bone scan last week and I was shocked; no osteoporosis, just osteopenia.
The medical field is still working on coming up with treatment without so many side effects, but it is all we have. My best to you💞
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@lizward46 thank you so much - we are in the April /May 2023 Dx newbie-group ; ) May I ask as I am also now at 22.5mg ( long story - I take 3X /day) - ha sounds like we have the same doctor !!
Have you achieved this 100% response without splitting the dose ?
What time of day do you take you Prednisone?
How is your sleep ? Today when I was awake at 3am (ARGH! ) I rested till 4am and then just went ahead and changed my morning dose time from 5am to 4am !! Good thing the sun rises here in MA very early now : )