A low place tonight

I hear ya. I think we all reach that point where we are just so tired of this. So done with the fatigue and pain. One of the worst things about PMR is how long it can last and how variable it is day to day. BUT it does get better. You will start to have better days in with the bad ones. And then putting more of those better days together. Remember the better days when you are feeling low. And do something good for yourself today. Something unusual. Something different. Something fun. And know you are not alone.

I hear your hopelessness but I promise there is hope. After 18 months of treatment I came out on the other side. That was 8 years ago. That 8 years has been filled with experiences I would not want to miss. Please find someone you can trust to help you walk through this. You are not alone. I will be praying for you! ❤️

@paulagcl, It's still early in your PMR diagnosis and treatment but you are definitely not alone with feel exhausted and overwhelmed at times when dealing with PMR. There are a couple of other discussions that might be helpful here:

--- PMR and exhaustion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-and-exhaustion/
--- PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-dosages/

I've felt very down with having dealt so many years with the chronic pain of Fibromyalgia and now PMR. Then I realized that I have an advantage with having dealt with pain for so many years. I couldn't imagine going into the pain, exhaustion and Prednisone effects having been healthy and active.
Things will get better Paul and you will beat this. As they say, one day at a time. We're here for you.
~Hugs, Vikki

The highs and lows in life are all part of the same spectrum. You need to embrace all of it to fully appreciate life. I could have done without some of the lows but I survived to tell the tale. In some strange way, writing about it anonymously on forums like this is helpful.

Dear paulagci,
I am so sorry that you are feeling way down. Chronic pain and fatigue can definitely put anyone in an altered state that feels endless and overwhelming. Having just driven our daughter to an alcohol treatment center for 28 days, my husband and I are trying to live by the AA mantra of “one day at a time”. It may sound corny and be overused, but it works. One day at a time with PMR may be one way to get you back on track. This is not a straight line journey (nothing ever is) so please be patient with your self and seek out anything that puts a smile on your face. I don’t like the fact that PMR has somewhat taken over my life, but I am determined to find joy. Take care, we are all with you, Liz

@paulagcl @johnbishop Hello Paula -- I am also three months into PMR ! This Mayo Clinic site has been very helpful to me ! Hopefully our co-members don't mind me sending Literature for them to read - so i will include two papers i found helpful in understanding who are the key players in PMR research and in the sense that there is awareness on the impact of Quality of Life !
read the section :
GC-related events in polymyalgia rheumatica and quality of life
in polymyalgia patients. in the 'fast tracking' paper :Feasibility and usefulness of a fast-track clinic for patients suspected of polymyalgia rheumatica: notes for a work schedule through a narrative review of published literature
Eric L Matteson from the Mayo Clinic shows up on the large reviews _ this is A VERY RECENT manuscript -
Treat-to-target recommendations in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica

I will try to relate an uplifting story - I contacted my former boss to tell him about my PMR - well, he countered by saying he has GOUT ! and flare ups are the WORST pain he has ever experienced ( he is a physician by training - and was the president of the gene therapy company where i worked) . He proceeded to give me a pep talk about being on Prednisone and Voila' - i felt better that day for sure !

I hate to say this but, our strength is facing reality, it will go on. Your attitude will be of a great help in the years ahead. It's been four years and right now I am as close to being better as I think I can get. It's a good place but now I have to accept old age which has crept up on me over the past 4 years. My best friends are Arnicare gel and pain killers, Watching your diet to keep out foods that make your condition worse, and in spite of the pain exercise but gently. It will end but it may take time. Not an easy thing for people who expect to get better in days or week, to face waiting years to recover. You are not alone, stay positive and keep occupied at something you love.

Many days I feel the same as you do. I’m just under a year from diagnosis and am in the tapering phase. After dealing with my husband’s death early last year and Covid before that I was getting very antsy to start living my life again then PMR stopped me in my tracks. These are years I can’t get back again. I’m just praying that I will make it to remission before I’m too old to get back out there.

Well, you were under huge stress between your husband's death and Covid, both emotionally and physically. I understand how you feel, but of course all we can do is to go forward. Not very helpful, I realize! but I'm here if you want to talk. My husband died 22 years ago and this diagnosis has triggered missing him yet again to have his help and support.